The trajectory of Franz Liszt resembles that of a hero from an epic tale that might have been written by his friend Victor Hugo. Both were men who embraced their century as much as they were enveloped by it. And Franz is the subject of the next International Study Group (ISG) talk on Monday 8 April.
After early beginnings as a child prodigy at the Vienna school of Schubert and Beethoven, young Liszt became the greatest piano virtuoso in Paris and, at the same time, one of the first stars in the contemporary sense of the term, combining success and scandal, celebrity, tumultuous loves, and incredible friendships. After an international tour of nearly eight years, he changed his life and transformed into a conductor, theatre director, promoter of the avant-garde, and composer of great symphonic works. He simultaneously developed a profoundly original aesthetic way of thinking about music.
Finally, propelled by his deep Catholic faith, he drew closer to the Pope, received minor orders, and composed masterpieces for the organ and religious music, while never forgetting to be a beloved professor recognized by his numerous students for his unwavering generosity. These are the main facets of this exceptional man, whom chance has made a genius, whose portrait will be painted in words, images, and music during this talk.
Our guide to Liszt’s life will be Hugo Rodriguez, the curator of the library of the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. He has previously worked at the Royal Library of Belgium (KBR) and the Museum of Musical Instruments (MIM). He holds a doctorate in musicology from the Université Libre de Bruxelles, where he teaches.
Where and when
The talk will take place on Monday, 8 April 2024 with a welcome coffee from 10h00 and the talk starting at 10h30. The venue is Château Malou, Allée Pierre Levie 2, 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert and free parking is available around the Chateau. Public transport is also close by: Tram 8, stop Voot; Bus 28, stop Deportés or Parc Malou (easier). The talk is free to ISG members. Guests and non-members should pay €10 on entry.
For more information visit: https://isgbrussels.be/
