Lisztomania

Lisztomania is a term used to describe the intense fan frenzy directed towards Franz Liszt during the 19th century. The phenomenon was first coined by the German romantic literary figure Heinrich Heine in a series of essays in 1844.

History

Lisztomania was characterized by intense levels of hysteria demonstrated by fans, akin to the modern day 'Beatlemania'. The term was coined by Heinrich Heine in his essay on Liszt's musical performances. This extreme level of fandom was initially witnessed in Berlin in 1841, when Franz Liszt's concerts were causing an uproar among the audience.

Characteristics

The phenomenon was characterized by a high level of hysteria among fans, causing fainting, fits of hysteria, and even self-harm in some cases. The fans would try to obtain items owned by Liszt, such as broken piano strings and discarded handkerchiefs. Lisztomania was considered a genuine, contagious medical condition and was discussed seriously by physicians of the time.

Impact on Society

The impact of Lisztomania on society was significant. It marked one of the earliest known instances of celebrity culture. The phenomenon also had a profound influence on the way concerts were conducted, with the audience's behavior becoming a significant part of the concert experience.

In Popular Culture

The term Lisztomania has been used in popular culture, most notably in the 1975 film Lisztomania directed by Ken Russell. The film is a fictionalized account of Liszt's life and his relationships with other composers of his time.

See Also

• Franz Liszt
• Heinrich Heine
• Celebrity culture
• Fandom