Franz Liszt, the virtuoso pianist and composer, died in Bayreuth on 31 July 1886, aged 74.

The two newspaper reports below (published in early August 1886), offer a fascinating picture of Liszt’s last hours and also an overview of his life as a genius musician.

The second report entitled,  ‘Revelations About Lizst’, is more gossipy in tone and provides a brief summary of his troubles with Wagner as well as Liszt’s spiritual struggles.

Manchester Evening News – Tuesday 03 August 1886

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000272/18860803/058/0004

Pall Mall Gazette – Saturday 03 April 1886

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http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000098/18860403/002/0002

Aberdeen Evening Express – Thursday 05 August 1886

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http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000444/18860805/020/0002