Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine

Sawbones: Lisztomania

7 snips
Aug 19, 2025
Discover the wild world of Lisztomania, where fans worshipped the piano prodigy Franz Liszt with an intensity reminiscent of today's pop culture crazes. Dive into the fascinating fan culture of the 1840s, exploring how Liszt's charm and talent sparked a frenzy among concert-goers, especially women. The hosts draw intriguing parallels between past and present fandoms, showcasing how this historical mania reflects changing societal norms and the implications of obsessive admiration. It's a lively exploration of music, celebrity, and the human experience!
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ANECDOTE

Liszt's Charismatic Performances

  • Franz Liszt performed passionately and dramatically, often tossing his long hair and making eye contact with the audience.
  • He attracted intense attention and became famous across Europe for his charismatic stage presence.
ANECDOTE

Fans Fought For Liszt Souvenirs

  • Women in Liszt's audiences shoved, fought for souvenirs, and tore handkerchiefs to claim pieces of him.
  • Fans collected cigar stubs and wore enamel cameos with Liszt's face as cherished memorabilia.
INSIGHT

'Mania' Framed As Medical And Social Threat

  • The term "listomania" framed fan enthusiasm as a medical 'mania' with social consequences.
  • Calling it a mania justified moral panic and interventions, especially against women's behavior.
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