The chapter examines the phenomenon of Lisztmania, discussing Franz Liszt's influence on audiences, particularly women, during the 19th century. It details the captivating nature of Liszt's performances, the idolization of the composer by fans, and the extraordinary lengths individuals went to express their devotion to him.
Long before Bieber fever and Swifties, there was Lisztomania.
Franz Liszt was a Hungarian composer who inspired such intense fandom and frenzy that it was dubbed mania.
So, was it true mania? What caused fans to respond to him so passionately?
And what can Lisztomania reveal about the way we talk about female obsession?
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