Liszt's Rhapsody
From Devine Entertainment Specials · 1996
52 min3rd4th5th6thMusicSocial Studies
Summary
Set in 1846, this film imagines Franz Liszt at the height of his fame — the rock star of his age — wishing he could compose lasting music rather than only dazzle crowds at the piano. A free-spirited Romani boy named Josy and the folk music he shares help Liszt find his own voice. Features the Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2, Carnival in Pest, and the Mephisto Waltz.
Viewer safety
Ages 7+
The film uses the older period term 'Gypsy' for its Romani characters — worth a quick note that 'Roma' is the respectful word today.
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Franz Liszt was a piano superstar who wanted to write music that would last.
- What's the difference between performing music and composing (writing) it?
- How did the folk music Josy shared change what Liszt wanted to create?
- Liszt could have kept doing what already made him famous. Why did he want to try something harder?
- Where do you look for new ideas when you make something — art, a story, or a song?
Quick work-a-long
Words to know: rhapsody, pianist, compose, folk music
- Liszt turned folk tunes into grand piano music. Hum a song you know and imagine it played big and dramatic.
- Describe the fastest, most exciting moment of piano playing you heard in the film.