Franz Liszt, the son of poor parents, became the sensational and enormously rich 'greatest pianist in the world'. Touring Europe unceasingly for seven years he was adored by the public - especially by women, who fainted at his good looks and flamboyant behaviour, collected his cigar butts and the dregs from his wineglasses, and competed for the honour of being taken to bed after his concerts. The lover of Lola Montez and the Lady of the Camellias, he was pursued by women even after he took religious orders. But he was also a serious musician who took pianism to new technical heights, honoured and promoted the works of Wagnber, and composed works that laid the foundations of twentieth century composition.