At this time, Liszt found love in Marie d’Agoult, a married Countess, and carried on this turbulent relationship for 10 years. They eloped to Switzerland in 1835 when Franz began to teach at the Geneva Conservatoire. However, Liszt continued to have affairs with many women including Polish princess Carolyne Sayn- Wittgenstein, a young courtesan Marie Duplessis, and dancer Lola Montes. It is no surprise then, that Liszt compose Liebesträume,(1850), as he had many experiences for this musical inspiration. However, it is a surprise that Liszt was extremely religious, considering his amorous tendencies, and had contemplated the priesthood. In his day, Liszt’s physical appearance would have rivaled that of a God and women were instantly attracted to him, fainting, as he played piano, fighting over locks of his hair and buttons off of his clothes. Liszt soon tired of this lifestyle of willing women and fame, and he settled in quiet Weimar in Germany. He focused on his musical compositions and promoting the music of Richard Wagner, who married one of Liszt’s two daughters, 24 years younger than him. His career as touring virtuoso took him to many countries, making him a favorite among audiences. On the way, he met many famous composers in his lifetime including Bizet, Grieg, Beethoven, Berlioz, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Schumann, Saint-Saëns, Debussy, Borodin, and Tchaikovsky.

Liszt’s intellect, unfailing creativity and charm made him very popular as a musician, and as a person. After a very pleasing and successful musical career of over 700 compositions, Liszt died of pneumonia at age 75. He remains as a top pianist of the 19^th Century, and perhaps in all of history.