IMSLP Liszt: Differences and Similarities Between Liszt and Chopin

People die, but not legends. One of the finest examples of this proverb is Franz Liszt, whose musical works are so great that they are immune to the harshness of time.

People die, but not legends. One of the finest examples of this proverb is Franz Liszt, whose musical works are so great that they are immune to the harshness of time. From novice music learners to advanced ones, look for the IMSLP Liszt music library to learn from his classical compositions. 

This blog is prepared to help you learn about the beginning of Liszt’s music career, his biography, similarities and differences between his musical compositions and Frédéric Chopin’s, how Beethoven’s works influenced him, etc. 

A Short Biography of Franz Liszt

Franz Liszt was a Hungarian composer, virtuoso pianist, conductor, and teacher of the Romantic period, born on 22 October 1811. He worked for more than 60 years. Liszt is regarded as one of the most influential musical composers of his period. In fact, his piano works are recorded and performed with the utmost enthusiasm. 
The composer attained success by working as a concert pianist since his early age days. He learned musical lessons from renowned musicians, like Antonio Salieri and Carl Czerny. 

The Hungarian music composer attained further fame through the magical performances he gave during European tours between the 1830s and 1840s. During this period, he created his name for technical brilliance and physical charm. In fact, the kind of fame he attained was not possible for those who preceded this legend. 
Franz Liszt’s demise was in the festival around midnight on 31 July 1886, when he was 74. The cause of his death, was officially, Pneumonia, but, in reality, he died of a heart attack. 

Influence of Beethoven in Liszt’s Musical Works: 

In many ways, Beethoven and Liszt had the same trajectories as composers who were not only satisfied with working within existing conventions, but they both also sought to redefine them. 

Late musical works of Beethoven show a level of complexity and experimentation, echoed by Franz Liszt in his musical compositions. 

That’s why the Beethoven piano sheet music is an interesting item for admirers of Liszt. 

Beginning of the Music Career of Franz Liszt: 

When Franz Liszt was at an early age, he started taking piano lessons from his father. This Hungarian boy was very interested in fold and church music, which led him to compose musical works at 8. He gave his first public concert when was nine. His music was so pleasant that Hungarian businessmen funded his musical education in Vienna (Austria) for the next 6 years. 

How Did Religion Affect Liszt’s Musical Works?

 
When Franz Liszt was in his teenage period, he wanted to become a priest. However, it never happened. After some years in Rome, he was busy with religious music by creating oratorios, like Christus (1855-1866), available in the IMSLP Liszt virtual music library. The legendary composer had a firm desire to create a new type of religious music, not sentimental, but direct and moving. 

Similarities and Differences between Liszt and Chopin: 

The major similarity between Liszt and Chopin is their being from the similar Classical Music era, called The Romantic Period. 

There were some music trends prevalent at that time. You can find those trends in the similarities between these two music legends. 

Although both Liszt and Chopin are from The Romantic Period, differences can be found in their musical works. Geography plays a key role in contributing to the musical style of a composer. That’s why those who take an interest in Russian music look for the IMSLP Rimsky Korsakov digital library to learn about Russian musical compositions. 

As you know Liszt was a Hungarian, which is why his music has a particular flavor and some boisterousness. Music lovers considered him a musical superstar in his days. He used his pyrotechnic technique to compose some of his pieces. 

On the other hand, Chopin was from Poland and spent a long part of his life in France. His music reflects a poetic quality, which must be due to his atmosphere. However, there is a tremendous amount of similarity in his and Liszt’s styles. 

In the 6th Hungarian Rhapsody by Liszt (which can be found in the IMSLP Liszt digital library of musical works), one can find heroism and Hungarian influence so much. In fact, the magic of Hungarian rhythms may drive listeners excited enough to dance, as these rhythms are very energetic. 

The musical works of Chopin are slightly different in this approach. For instance, the middle of the A-flat ballade is very elegant and poetic in spite of having the technical demands. 

Both Chopin and Liszt have different types of musical works with some similarities in styles. 

Difference and Similarity with Examples: 

The following are examples of lyrical music to see how both of them deal with it: 

In the middle section of Liszt’s 6th Hungarian Rhapsody, there is a melodic and beautiful lyrical section. However, this section has dark undertones that typical of Liszt’s musical works in general.  

Now, let’s take into account a Chopin waltz. This musical work is very light and elegant and doesn’t have the dark undertones that are usual throughout Liszt’s work. 

Conclusion: 

Franz Liszt was a Hungarian music composer born on 22 October 1811 and died on 31 July 1886, due to a heart attack. His classical pieces like Christus, are still loved by music buffs, and they look for such masterpieces in the IMSLP Liszt digital library of musical works. 
The major similarity between Liszt and Chopin is that they both belong to The Romantic Period, also called the Classical Music era. However, the difference is that Liszt’s musical works have dark undertones in general, but Chopin’s waltz doesn’t have such dark undertones.