The The Older Liszt: Music, World and Spirit

Franz Liszt is widely celebrated for his early years as a 'super-star' pianist who captivated audiences across Europe, but his later life also holds considerable interest. In his final quarter-century, he endeavoured to achieve his lifelong ambitions of championing new musical forms and bearing stronger witness to his Christian faith, all while continuing to support his steadfast life partner, Princess Carolyne. However, he was to encounter unforeseen challenges in the persistent negative reception of his music and recriminations within his closest relationship.

Drawing on a detailed analysis of Liszt's correspondence from his fiftieth year onwards, Peter G. Coleman approaches his later life as a compelling case study of an older individual grappling with a succession of often unsettling life experiences. These included the tragic deaths of two of his children, political turmoil and war within Europe, and a growing awareness of his own past shortcomings. Despite suffering frequent bouts of depression, Liszt never ceased composing music nor wavered in his steadfast adherence to Christ's command to bear one's cross.

This sensitive and insightful treatment of an extraordinary individual will resonate with both the academic community and the general reader alike, offering a nuanced understanding of the final years of a musical titan.