Playliszt: 10 Great Pieces by Music’s Original Rock Star

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. … Continued

Happy 147th Birthday, Rachmaninoff

John Mangum, Houston Symphony executive director/CEO and Margaret Alkek Williams Chair, shares a few favorites from composer Sergei Rachmaninoff’s birthday, April 1. You can also enjoy John’s selections as a YouTube playlist. So as I stay at home, like the rest of you, our devoted fans, I’m looking for music wherever I can find it … Continued