Reading Franz Liszt - by Paul Roberts (Hardcover)

About the Book

Paul Roberts immerses readers in the world of Franz Liszt, megastar of Romanticism, through a vivid exploration of his most beloved pieces and literature that inspired them-from Petrarch's love poetry to the sensibilities of Byron, Sénancour, and others. Roberts reveals the de...

Book Synopsis

Paul Roberts immerses readers in the world of Franz Liszt, megastar of Romanticism, through a vivid exploration of his most beloved pieces and literature that inspired them--from Petrarch's love poetry to the sensibilities of Byron, Sénancour, and others. Roberts reveals the deeper essence of Liszt, recasting him as a composer of poetic feeling.

Review Quotes

Critics have often described Hungarian composer Franz Liszt's (1811-86) music as showy and bombastic, but in this book the British concert pianist Roberts seeks the poetry behind Liszt's compositions. The book seeks Liszt's influences (which Roberts argues include Petrarch's Sonnets, Goethe's Faust, and the poetry of Lord Byron). Frequently, Roberts has as much (or even more) to say about these literary works as about Liszt's compositions. The text is accompanied by numerous illustrations and citations from Liszt's scores. Readers looking for a musical biography of Liszt will find here instead an excursion through European culture of the 19th century and earlier. Roberts' accessible style reads like a conversation with his erudite friends.

In this volume, concert pianist Paul Roberts examines the role of literature in shaping Franz Liszt's piano music.... [R]eaders who have not studied Liszt's music should find the book diverting, and it may inspire further investigation...Lower- and upper-division undergraduates; general readers.

No pianist interpreting the music of Liszt should deny themselves the wealth of inspiration and insight that this book offers. It is a duty of anyone who performs his piano music to understand the spirit in which it was written and to be able to see its multi-dimensionality. Paul Roberts has performed a priceless service to those who are sympathetic to Liszt's genius.

Pianist Paul Roberts' latest book Reading Franz Liszt invites readers into Liszt's world through an engaging examination of his most cherished compositions and the underlying literary works that influenced them. Exploring the depths of Franz Liszt's legacy, Roberts presents a fresh perspective on the legendary composer, emphasizing his poetic sensitivity alongside his technical prowess.... It is an excellent resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of one of the most important figures in the history of classical music.

This book reflects a deep understanding of Liszt based on a lifetime's experience and conveys the broader intersection of prose and poetry with art and music, and in the end, with life. The writing is that of a true poet, and I shall be returning again and again to its pages.

This dazzling and richly informed book finds francophile Paul Roberts veering off to write about Liszt and the literary sources behind his piano music.

This is a moving portrait of Liszt, revealed with eloquence and passion. It is stimulating and accessible, and a must read for artists and music lovers.

About the Author

Paul Roberts is a British concert pianist and a leading practitioner of French music. He is a professor of piano and a fellow of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London, and is director of Music at Chateau d'Aix, an international summer school for pianists. He is the author of Reflections: The Piano Music of Maurice Ravel and Images: The Piano Music of Claude Debussy.