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It's difficult to pinpoint the first concert pianist as the piano has been played for centuries and there were likely many skilled performers who played for audiences before the term "concert pianist" was even used. However, one of the earliest known performers who could be considered a concert pianist was Franz Liszt (1811-1886).
Franz Liszt: The Life of a Concert Pianist
Franz Liszt was one of the most famous and influential pianists of the 19th century. He was born in Hungary in 1811 and showed prodigious musical talent from a young age. By the time he was a teenager, he had already begun performing in public and dazzling audiences with his incredible technical skill on the piano. Liszt is credited with popularizing the concept of the solo piano recital, which became a standard format for classical music performances. He would often play to sold-out crowds in concert halls across Europe, and his performances were known for their passion, drama, and virtuosity.
Throughout his life, Liszt gave hundreds of concerts in numerous countries, establishing himself as one of the most sought-after performers of his time. It's estimated that he gave over 1,000 public performances during his lifetime, which is an astonishing number considering the time period in which he lived. Liszt was also known for his high fees, which were quite substantial even by today's standards.
For example, in 1845 he received the equivalent of approximately $100,000 in today's currency for a single concert in St. Petersburg, Russia. He was paid so well because he was considered to be one of the greatest pianists of his time, and his performances were in high demand all over Europe.
Liszt was an Animal Lover
Interestingly, Liszt was known to have a number of pets throughout his life, including a St. Bernard dog named Hector and a number of canaries. He was said to be very fond of animals and often kept them as companions on his travels.
Travel and Daily Routine
Speaking of travel, Liszt traveled extensively throughout his career as a concert pianist. He visited numerous countries, including France, Germany, Russia, Italy, and England, among others. He often traveled with his entourage, which included a valet, a cook, and a secretary, among others. Despite his busy schedule of performances and travel, Liszt was known to maintain a rigorous daily routine. He would typically wake up early in the morning and spend several hours practicing the piano. He would then go for a walk or do some other form of exercise before having a light lunch. In the afternoon, he would continue practicing or composing music, and in the evening he would often give a concert or attend a social event.
Standard Repertoire
Franz Liszt's standard repertoire included a wide range of works by other composers, as well as his own original compositions and transcriptions. Some of the most frequently performed pieces in his repertoire included works by Beethoven, Mozart, Schumann, and Chopin. He also often performed his own virtuosic piano works, such as his Hungarian Rhapsodies and Transcendental Etudes.
Performances for Notable Persons
Throughout his career, Liszt performed for a wide range of notable persons, including emperors, kings, and other members of royalty. He gave performances for Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria, King Ludwig II of Bavaria, and Queen Victoria of England, among others. He was also known to perform for members of the nobility, wealthy patrons, and other influential figures.
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