The piano master classes of Franz Liszt, 1884-1886

by August Göllerich

August Gollerich's diaries, recounting his years as a student and secretary of Franz Liszt, provide a lively picture of "the Liszt tradition," showing the Master's approach to piano teaching, his likes and predudices both musical and social, and the way he encouraged and befriended his students. The notes Gollerich took during the master classes include the pieces played, the names of the students who performed them, and Liszt's very specific comments on a wide range of repertoire. Liszt had much to say about the performance of his own works, especially when it differed from indications in the score. He offered many interpretive insights on the works of other composers, including those of his close friend Chopin, and made valuable references to little-known or out-of-print pieces. Richard Zimdars has now supplied more than 150 musical examples to clarify Liszt's remarks.