Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No 2

The affair with Lola Montez
In 1842, Liszt was appointed Kapellmeister Extraordinaire at Weimar, but this flamboyant title did not prevent him from continuing his brilliant virtuoso career by offering concerts all over Europe. In February 1844, the worldwide renowned pianist visited Dresden for the umpteenth time, receiving a delirious reception, as usual. This encouraged him to take a short trip to Dessau, where fate had prepared a surprise for him.

Lola Montez, the famous "Spanish" dancer of Irish origin, was in Dessau trying to make herself known as a dancer, or courtesan, or whatever. At age 26, the erotic aura that surrounded her did allow the girl to ask for that and much more. For Franz, seeing her and loving her were one and the same.

Lola Montez (1818 - 1861)

On February 25, Liszt returned to Dresden and brought Lola with him. The room in the hotel where he was staying became a silent witness of a passionate encounter. The next morning, Franz got up early because he had to work. He was still committed to giving three further concerts in Dresden.

That night, the maestro feared for his reputation. Reportedly, before leaving he locked Lola in the room and put down a considerable sum of money to repair the damage the dancer was going to cause when she realized she had been abandoned.
The news arrived in Paris and sealed the definitive break with his faithful Marie d'Agoult.

Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2
Published in 1847, the Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 is the most famous of the 19 rhapsodies written by Franz Liszt on Hungarian themes. It offers, without a doubt, an extraordinary opportunity for the brilliance of the performer, who is demanded great skill and dexterity. Thus, it is not surprising that, after listening to the maestro, an avalanche of damsels wanted to pounce on this mid-nineteenth century idol to greet him, hug him and something else, if things did go well.

At the piano, Alfred Brendel. It's the most serious "video" I found, due to the aforementioned possibility of showing off. Brendel offers the right pauses, the precise speed, the correct balance between music and paraphernalia.

And now, I turn again to the insurmountable comedian talent of the Danish maestro, Victor Borge, pianist, orchestra conductor and comedian who, with the Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 also tries to show off but through jokes.

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