Musicians & Composers · 19th Century
Franz Liszt’s Last Words
“Tristan.”— Franz Liszt, July 31, 1886
Who Was Franz Liszt?
Franz Liszt was a Hungarian composer and virtuoso pianist of the Romantic period. He was the most celebrated pianist of his era and composed the symphonic poem form.
The Final Moments
Liszt uttered this single word — the name of Wagner's opera Tristan und Isolde — as his final breath. He died at Bayreuth where the Wagner festival was taking place.
Are These Words Verified?
Multiple witnesses reported this single word utterance during his final illness at Bayreuth, though some accounts vary. Consistent with his devotion to Wagner's music.
Sources
- firsthand Lina Schmalhausen (attendant) firsthand account
- biography Alan Walker biography 'Franz Liszt: The Final Years'
- newspaper Contemporary Bayreuth reports
Legacy
Liszt's piano compositions remain among the most technically demanding ever written. His Sonata in B minor is considered his masterwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Franz Liszt’s last words?
“Tristan.”
How did Franz Liszt die?
Franz Liszt died on July 31, 1886 at the age of 74. Cause of death: Pneumonia.
Were Franz Liszt’s last words documented?
Multiple witnesses reported this single word utterance during his final illness at Bayreuth, though some accounts vary. Consistent with his devotion to Wagner's music.