Lisztomania
Tom Service explores the music of Franz Liszt. Was he all pianistic fireworks and no soul? Pianist Mariam Batsashvili explains, at the piano, why Liszt is so special.
Tom takes a deep drive into the music of Franz Liszt, celebrated, and sometimes denigrated, for his ultra-virtuosity. Tom is joined by former Radio 3 New Generation Artist Mariam Batsashvili who plays some of her favourite moments of Liszt at the piano, and explains why Liszt has always held a special place in her heart. From struggling with being the first world-famous musician, to pre-empting the likes of Wagner and Schoenberg, Tom explores the surprising and conflicting role Liszt played on the musical stage.
Last on
Broadcasts
- Sun 19 Apr 202017:00BBC Radio 3
- Fri 24 Apr 202016:30BBC Radio 3
- Sun 3 Jul 202217:00BBC Radio 3
- Fri 8 Jul 202216:30BBC Radio 3
Why do we call it 'classical' music?
Tom Service poses a very simple question (with a not-so-simple answer).
Six of the world's most extreme voices
From babies to Mongolian throat singers: whose voice is the most extreme of all?
How did the number 12 revolutionise music?
How Schoenberg opened a new cosmos for composers and listeners to explore.
Why are we all addicted to bass?
Bass is everywhere, but why do we enjoy it? Join Tom Service on a journey of discovery.
Watch the animations
Join Tom Service on a musical journey through beginnings, repetition and bass lines.
When does noise become music?
We like to think we can separate “noise” from “music”, but is it that simple?
Podcast
![]()
The Listening Service
An odyssey through the musical universe, presented by Tom Service
