Franz Liszt, Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2

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If there had been rock stars in the 19thcentury, Franz Liszt would have been the biggest of them all. He wasn’t just apiano genius; he was a social superstar of the music world. On his Europeantours as a young man, his explosive technique drove audiences into fits ofhysteria. Women would fight over his gloves or even broken piano strings, theway fans today might scramble for a celebrity’s autograph. Liszt was, in fact,history’s first true victim of “fan mania,” a craze so intense it even earnedits own name, Lisztomania.

And yes, because of his strikingly handsomeface, the tradition of pianists playing with their backs to the audienceshifted to playing sideways, so everyone could admire him. That change camewith a price: pianists now had to memorize their music. So, if you’ve evercursed while trying to memorize a score, you know exactly who to blame.

But Liszt was more than just a technicalwizard. He was a passionate, ambitious composer. Born in Hungary and laterbased in Paris, he never lost his love for his homeland’s music. His Hungarian Rhapsodies were dazzling,virtuosic tributes to his heritage, turning the fiery tunes of streets andtaverns into piano works so difficult that any pianist daring to attempt themhad to practice like their life depended on it.

The 19th century in Europe was a whirlwind ofwars, revolutions, and national awakenings, and Hungary was no exception. In1848, Hungarians rose up against Habsburg rule in a fierce fight forindependence. The air was thick with battle cries, while in the villages, musicbecame a rallying cry for freedom.

Liszt’s patriotic spirit was ignited duringthis time. Though he never fought on the battlefield, he joined the “war”through music. The Hungarian Rhapsodieswere born out of this era of passion and pride, not just as a virtuosicshowpiece, but as musical declarations of identity. Liszt infused them withgypsy-inspired melodies, unrestrained rhythms, and a raw, emotional intensitythat seemed to shout through the keys: “Hungarians, rise up!”

Imagine a composer prowling the streets like amusical detective, “stealing” tunes from everyday life. That was Liszt. In the19th century, he traveled widely, especially through Hungary’s taverns andmarketplaces, absorbing the music of local gypsy bands, not really sneaking,but listening intently, notebook in hand. He became enchanted by their wild,free-spirited melodies, scribbling them down like a musical archaeologist.

There was just one problem: Liszt thought hewas collecting authentic Hungarian folk songs. Later musicologists discoveredthat much of it was actually gypsy music, not pure Hungarian folk tradition.It’s like thinking you’re eating authentic Chinese food, only to find out it’sa fusion takeout version. Still, who cares? Liszt transformed those tunes intoworks of genius, and the HungarianRhapsodies became world-famous.

In fact, HungarianRhapsody No. 2 became such a hit that it turned into a star in the world ofanimation. It became Tom’s show-off theme in Tom and Jerry, the soundtrack toBugs Bunny’s comic battles, and a go-to gag in countless other cartoons. Somejoke that this single piece is more famous than Liszt himself. Chances are,you’ve heard it somewhere, even if you didn’t know it was his. That’s the magicof Liszt.

Even Tomand Jerry couldn’t resist Liszt. Liszt probably never imagined his workwould thrill not only 19th-century concert halls but also 21st-centurycartoons. Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2has become one of the most recognized classical pieces in animation history.Whether it’s Tom tying his fingers in knots at the piano, Bugs Bunny in amusical duel, or countless games and commercials, its unmistakable energy liveson.

Beyond popular culture, Liszt’s music left adeep mark on later composers. His daring harmonies, dramatic melodies, andover-the-top virtuosity inspired the likes of Chopin, Ravel, and Rachmaninoff.You could even argue that today’s epic, adrenaline-pumping film scores owesomething to Liszt’s show-stopping style.

Listening to a Hungarian Rhapsody is like riding a roller coaster at 300 km/h. Itbegins with a slow, brooding theme that feels steeped in Hungary’s tragichistory, then suddenly bursts into wild, unrestrained brilliance. It makes youwant to explode at the piano. Though, in reality, most of us can’t keep up withthe blistering speed.

It’s not just technical fireworks, it's anemotional release. Sorrow, rage, hope, and joy all collide in these notes.Liszt’s music is like a shot of strong liquor: one sip, and your blood is onfire. If Beethoven’s music makes you ponder life’s big questions, Liszt’s musicmakes you burn through your soul with everything you’ve got.