Frenzied Obsession Sweeping 19th Century Masses: Lisztomania

In the mid-19th century, a musical phenomenon swept across Europe, captivating audiences and igniting a fervour not seen since the days of Lord Byron. At the heart of this whirlwind was none other than Franz Liszt, a pianist and composer whose virtuoso performances and emotionally charged compositions set the stage for the hyper romanticism of the late 19th century.

Liszt, much like Byron before him, elicited intense adoration from his fans, leading to the coinage of the term "Lisztomania" more than a century before the "Beatlemania" of the 1960s. This fervour was reminiscent of the behaviour of modern superstars' fans, such as those of the Beatles and Taylor Swift. The behaviour of Liszt's fans was described by German writer Heinrich Heine as "veritable insanity."

Liszt's stardom was fueled by his exceptional technique, characterized by lightning-fast finger work, precise tempo, and pure power. His orchestral compositions, including the Faust Symphony, were filled with passion, fire, and emotion, paving the way for the romantic era.

The roots of Lisztomania can be traced back to 1832, when Liszt witnessed the virtuoso violinist, Niccolò Paganini, perform. Liszt was enthralled, and in response, he began practicing up to 14 hours a day. Paganini, who emerged before Liszt, took the definition of "virtuoso" to a new level, impressing crowds with his ability to play on with just one remaining string.

The rumours surrounding Paganini were as captivating as his performances. It was said that he had sold his soul to the devil to pay for his skill. This air of mystery only added to his allure, and his influence extended to Liszt, who, like a god, was often compared for his extraordinary performances.

Liszt's aesthetic was quintessentially romantic, set against a backdrop of new ideas, longing, passion, and terror in a post-French revolution world. His compositions, such as the 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies, provide a sense of his virtuosic prowess, even though he unfortunately died before the age of recordings.

The impact of Liszt and Paganini can still be felt today. Joseph Joachim, a musician inspired by Liszt, began his career with a style notable for virtuosity and boldness, comparable in extravagance and shock value to later rock bands like The Who. The second Hungarian Rhapsody even gained fame through its inclusion in an episode of Tom and Jerry, inspiring musicians like Lang Lang to take up the instrument.

Fans of Liszt wore his portrait on brooches, fought over locks of his hair, and attempted to obtain his broken piano strings and coffee dregs. Lisztomania, it seems, is a passion that endures.