Book Description

The Music Division of the National Széchényi Library (Budapest) houses 78 music manuscripts and scores, with all or part of each penned in the hand of Franz Liszt, one of Hungary's most prominent native sons. The library is the primary Hungarian public collection of Liszt's works and is among the world's most comprehensive. This book details the collection, classifying the works as (i) Liszt's compositions-autograph manuscripts, manuscript copies, proof-sheets or printed copies with additions and corrections in Liszt's hand (62 items); (ii) Liszt's compositions-printed or manuscript copies with autograph dedications (10 items); and (iii) Liszt's corrections and manuscript notes in and to works by other composers (6 items). Seventy-three music examples and 20 facsimile illustrations are also included. While other catalogues have been devoted to these Liszt compositions, this is the first to take full and accurate account of the collection to date. Thorough philological data of the documents, and descriptions and evaluations among the sources of the given composition are supplied. Maria Eckhardt's insightful additions concerning performance history and Liszt's relationships with dedicatees and fellow composers, based upon her previously published research, provide an enriched understanding of the compositions and their creator.