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What was Liszt most beautiful piece?

Les préludes. In addition to dazzling works for piano, Liszt was instrumental in defining and shaping the “symphonic poem” genre for orchestra. Les préludes is his best known symphonic poem and one of his most often performed orchestral works.

houstonsymphony.org - Playliszt: 10 Great Pieces by Music's Original Rock Star

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Today marks the birthday of Hungarian composer and pianist Franz Liszt (1811–86). The greatest piano virtuoso of the Romantic era (and arguably of all time), Liszt’s astounding talent expanded the scope of what a piano could do, transforming the instrument into an expressive powerhouse that approached the range and complexity of a full symphony orchestra. Liszt’s mind-blowing piano prowess, coupled with a dynamic and charismatic performance style, made his concerts must-see events and garnered him “rock star” status the likes of which the world had never seen before. Frenzied audience members reportedly fainted, threw pieces of clothing on stage, and fought over broken piano strings and locks of his hair in a phenomenon that would be deemed “Lisztomania.” While Liszt’s name will forever be synonymous with dazzling piano pyrotechnics, stopping here vastly underrepresents the depth of his contributions to music. In addition to expanding the piano’s scope, Liszt’s compositions were often defined by a forward-looking sense of harmonic adventure, and his later works evolved away from flashy showpieces and towards a leaner style that pushed tonal boundaries and anticipated the 20th century musical language to come. As we celebrate the enduring legacy of Franz Liszt on his birthday, grab your headphones and enjoy a handpicked playlist of some of his best loved works.

1. Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2

Filled with dramatic flourish and sprightly folk-dance melodies, Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 is both an audience favorite and a time-honored pop culture staple. Tom and Jerry, Bugs Bunny, and Daffy Duck are just a few of the colorful characters to have had some fun with this electrifying showstopper.

2. Mephisto Waltz No. 1

Taking its cue from the Faust legend, Mephisto Waltz No. 1 is a scintillating whirlwind of piano brilliance.

3. La Campanella

One of the most technically challenging piano pieces ever written, La Campanella (“little bell”) is based on a melody by the king of virtuoso violinists, Niccolò Paganini.

4. Three Concert Études: Un Sospiro

The last of Liszt’s Three Concert Études, Un Sospiro uses hand crossing to maintain a never-ending and seemingly effortless cascade of notes that belies its technical difficulty.

5. Transcendental Étude No. 4: Mazeppa

Inspired by the story of Mazeppa, in which the legendary hero is strapped to a wild horse which is set free, Liszt’s Transcendental Étude No. 4 pairs a breakneck pace with jaw-dropping piano feats.

6. Liebestraum No. 3

“Liebestraum” means “love dream,” and this gentle and tender piano piece (which was originally written for piano and voice) is one of Liszt’s most beloved works.

7. Piano Sonata in B minor

Calling for non-stop, near super-human demands that test the endurance of any pianist, the stormy and immense Sonata in B minor remains an Everest of the piano repertoire and a marvel to behold in performance.

8. Les préludes

In addition to dazzling works for piano, Liszt was instrumental in defining and shaping the “symphonic poem” genre for orchestra. Les préludes is his best known symphonic poem and one of his most often performed orchestral works.

9. Totentanz

Thundering and percussive power meets blazing virtuosity in this fiery “dance of death” based on the Dies irae, a medieval plainchant associated with the Mass for the Dead.

10. Nuages gris (“Gray clouds”)

This haunting and atmospheric piece from Liszt’s late period is brief and technically simple compared to the other examples on this list, but it imparts a remarkably powerful effect on the listener.

—Katy Judd

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What does a key code allow a locksmith to do?

lockpickshop.com - How to Read A Key Number - LockPickShop.com

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Keys are typically printed with an alphanumeric code called a key identification number, a key code or a key number that allows locksmiths and companies to replicate keys without the need to install a whole new lock system. Key codes fall into two categories: blind codes and bitting codes. Blind codes are the most common form of key codes and are designed to enhance security by requiring a code book or software - typically only licensed to locksmiths or security professionals - to decode. Bitting codes are defined as the decoded blind code that a locksmith may use to replicate the key.Lock codes are alphanumeric, so they typically contain both letters and numbers. Examples are 110A, SL400, etc. You typically will not be able to decode the number on your own unless you're a licensed locksmith or security professional with access to specific databases that allow you to match up the code with the specific key and its manufacturer. Your local locksmith or key replication company will have the tools required to determine exactly which key to manufacture based on the code.Your key code is typically stamped on the face of the lock or key, but some manufacturers print them on a "key code card" with the printed cutting number. Cheap, low-quality and mass-produced locks often do not come with key codes. In that case, you'll have to replace your entire lock system if you do not have a corresponding key. If you do see the key number on the face of your lock or on your key code card, dictate the number to your locksmith or security professional and they should have the proper tools and software to encode it and replicate the key successfully.

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