Chapter 3 - Master Liszt in London, 1825

Summary

SYNOPSIS

The first pieces that Liszt is cited as having “composed” and completed in England were written not for himself to play but for flautist Antonio Minasi. It is unclear whether this material was a collaborative effort by Liszt and Irish violinist and composer Rophino Lacy, or whether the pieces were individually written. The latter citation from the 17 June issue of the Morning Chronicle suggests that this exercise predates the Liszt/Minasi co-creation entitled The Fall of Paris: a Military Air with Variations for flute and piano that Minasi and Liszt played in London in 1827.

During Liszt's stay in London in 1825 he renewed contact with harpist Théodore Labarre and tenor John Braham, and through the agency of pianist Maria Szymanowska, Liszt probably gained many private engagements.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS during Liszt's London visit of 1825

2 May Liszt and his father arrive at 18 Great Marlborough Street, London.

3 May Liszt performs for George 1V and his guests at Carlton House, Pall Mall.

13 May Liszt performs at Devonshire House, Piccadilly.

7 June Master Liszt Concert – the New Argyll Rooms.

[14 June] Liszt and his father probably leave London for Manchester.

17 June Liszt is billed as participant at Master Minasi's New Argyll Room concert.

EXTANT CORRESPONDENCE [22 April – 2 June]

Letters or postscripts written by Liszt:

22 April Postscript to Ádám's letter to Pierre Érard.

3 May Letter to Countess Eugénie de Noirberne [in Paris].

Letters written by Ádám Liszt

22 April Letter to Pierre Érard.

3 May Letter to Eugénie de Noirberne [in Paris].

2 June Letter probably written to Auguste Versial at Boulogne-sur-mere.

WORKS PERFORMED BY LISZT in London in 1825

7 June Uncatalogued “Fantasia: ‘I've Been Roaming,’” on an “Air” allegedly written by an unknown composer with added variations composed or improvised by Liszt. Liszt performed the “Air” with added variations at his 7 June 1825 London concert.

[?May or June] Charles Nicholson's Fantasia for flute and piano [Eighth Fantasia for flute and piano on the favourite Venetian air “La Biondina in Gondoletta”], the piano part being transposed at sight by Liszt from C Major to the key of C-sharp Major.

WORKS COMPOSED BY LISZT in London in 1825

The uncatalogued Fantasia for piano [?] mentioned above, based on “I've Been Roaming.”