The reputation of Franz Liszt (1811–86) has always been volatile and remains hotly contested to this day: although an undisputed piano virtuoso as well as a prolific composer, he has been regarded (both in his own time and in ours) variously as a charlatan, a flamboyant self-promoter, a trailblazing genius and an unquestionable innovator in the annals of music history. The Morgan Library & Museum has mounted a fascinating exhibit that focuses on Liszt’s enduring association with Paris through a collection of manuscripts, first editions, playbills, letters and related materials, including excerpts of contemporary recordings. Read more…