Franz Liszt

[RichardB]

The following review of Liszt's concert on December 8, 1840, in Sheffield is a typical example:

When down at the piano, Liszt appears like one inspired being, and seeming to us lost all around him. Nevertheless we cannot forget Thalberg, who was here last year, at Mr. Dawson’s concert. These two eminent pianists are different in style, and, if we may be excused a simile, Liszt may be compared to a bottle of sparkling champagne, inimitable in brilliancy and Thalberg, to the good old port, full of body and fine flavour. Were we now asked which we should prefer, we should scarcely know what to say; but we think Thalberg the most lasting. His firm, full tone and rich harmonies can never be forgotten.

Source

[Bayleaf]

I understand on a Saturday night many enjoyed his duets with Brahms, a tradition continued to this day by many teenagers in the city centre, though Thalberg has been replaced by Carlsberg.

[S24]

Liszt also played the Sheffield Gaumont - w/c January 15th, 1961.

Only, this time, the critics were less than enthusiastic about this dreary, and rather silly biopic !