Photo: Maik Schuck
Liszt-Museum: History
The museum pays tribute to the multifaceted artist, Franz Liszt, who, upon Maria Pavlovna’s express wish, was appointed Weimar’s court musical director in 1848. Not only did he re-invent piano-playing technique, but he also strove to get works by contemporary composers performed in Weimar, often bringing in the composers themselves, such as Hector Berlioz. Supported by the Grand Duke Carl Friedrich and the Grand Duke’s wife Maria Pavlovna, Liszt was successful in getting works by Richard Wagner performed, who, at that time, was considered an insurrectionist for his participation in the Dresden barricade fights. In 1850, the court, under Liszt’s direction, brought the first performance of Wagner’s Lohengrin to the Weimar stage.During his first years in Weimar from 1848 to 1861, Liszt had lived in the so-called Altenburg with Carolyne von Sayn-Wittgenstein and had gathered around himself a circle of music-lovers. However, after a staged scandal, Liszt vacated his post in 1858, leaving the city in 1861.
Return to Weimar
Having received an invitation from Grand Duke Carl Alexander, Liszt temporarily returned to Weimar after his 8-year-long stay in Rome. Upon his return, the upper floor of the former royal gardener’s quarters (today the Liszt Museum) was made available for Liszt’s use. Liszt taught his international pupils at the new residence three afternoons a week, with his Sunday matinées having been especially well received. Liszt stayed in his Weimar home predominantly during the summer, while he spent the remaining months in Rome and Budapest.
Immediately after Franz Liszt had died in Bayreuth in 1886, Grand Duke Carl Alexander ordered that the Weimar residence should remain unchanged. By May 1887, the first Liszt Museum was inaugurated, preserving the work and living space on the first storey. In the early years of the museum, long-time housekeeper, Pauline Apfel, led guests through the house, and, in 1953, the Liszt estate along with predecessors of The Foundation of Weimar Classics assumed operation of the historic residence.
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