The Biographers

Franz Liszt Part 5: The Pope's Composer.

In part five of our series on classical composer, Franz Liszt, we learn about the most tragic part of Franz's life, which compels him to become a clergyman of the Catholic Church. That's right: the infamous ladies-man has decided to become abbé! Does that mean the notorious lothario has to give up his promiscuous lifestyle to appease his faith? Regardless, this sensational news would sweep through Europe and cause a second wave of Lisztomania, filling his concerts to the brim once again! But what about his daughter, Cosima? Turns out, she has fallen into the web of the controversial Richard Wagner, whose influential prejudices would echo through history in unimaginable ways. Tune in for part five of Franz Liszt to learn more! (Ep. 034)

Franz Liszt Part 4: Lisztomania!

In part four of our series on Franz Liszt, we witness the rise of a music superstar the likes of which the world had never seen before, and what history would come to call "Lisztomania". But what made this superstar piano-player so special, and what caused such a stir in his fanbase? This wouldn't be the only point of pride during this phase of his life however, as he would soon invent a new form of music known as the Symphonic Poem, and help create the foundations for what we now consider pop music. But how was his love life going? What was happening with his children? Tune in for part four of Franz Liszt to find out! (Ep. 033)

Franz Liszt Part 3: Sex, Drugs, and Classical Music.

In part three of our series on Franz Liszt, we explore the continuing rise of Franz's popularity, and all the stereotypical cliches that come with being a Pop Star. Yes, Franz was involved with all the things that the title of this episode implies, but also created one of the first ever benefit concerts which aided Hungarian citizens affected by a devastating flood. Throughout this period of his life, Franz would also innovate many of the ideas and traits that we now identify as a modern-day concert, and inadvertently create the persona of a Rock Star. For his contributions to music and his celebrity status, he would also be honored by his native land in a way that finally made him feel like a true son of Hungary. But what was going on in Franz's personal life? Was he able to maintain a monogamous relationship, or would he continue to create the cliches of Rock-Stardom through amorous affairs? Tune in to part three of Franz Liszt to find out! (Ep. 032)

Franz Liszt Part 2: An Artist Amongst Legends.

In part two of our series on piano virtuoso, Franz Liszt, we get to see what life was like in 1830s Paris, as Franz rubs elbows with some of the most prominent writers, artists, and thinkers of the day. After witnessing a violin performance by the legendary Niccolò Paganini, Franz is inspired to reinvent what it means to play the piano, and establish himself as a true artist. It's also during this period that Franz meets his first great love, the Countess Marie d'Agoult, with whom he engages in his first scandalous affair. But this is only the beginning of the superstar's rise to fame, as audiences are just beginning to go crazy for the young, attractive, and charismatic performer. Tune in for part two of Franz Liszt to learn more about the rise of the world's first pop star. (Ep. 031)

Franz Liszt Part 1: The World's First Rockstar.

In part one of our series on classical composer and pianist, Franz Liszt, we examine the earliest parts of the young prodigy's life. Though he was born the son of a humble bookkeeper, by age seven Franz would demonstrate such unbelievable skill on the piano that he would be accepted as a pupil in Vienna under the tutelage of the legendary composers Carl Czerny, and Antonio Salieri. But that was just the beginning of his rise to superstardom, as before he reached the age of 15, Franz would perform concerts in front of nearly every King and Queen in Europe, stir his audiences into a screaming frenzy, and stun his orchestras into silence... mid-performance. Buckle your seatbelts, everyone: we're just getting warmed up with the birth of the world's first rockstar. Tune in for part one of our series on Franz Liszt to learn more! (Ep. 030)

Office Hours Ep. 2: The Milchig Plates!

In our second episode of Office Hours, we kick our feet up once again, answering questions we asked ourselves from previous episodes, expanding upon some previously unexplored ideas, and adding color to some concepts that are just plain fascinating. We also add a bit more information related to Leonardo da Vinci, including a heist in the early 20th century that catapulted the Mona Lisa from a relatively unknown painting, to international icon. Join us for another laid-back episode of Office Hours. 

Leonardo da Vinci Part 7: The Master Rests His Head.

In the last installment of our series on Leonardo da Vinci, we cover the final ten years of the genius Renaissance man's life. Starting off in Milan, Leonardo tries to discover how the earth sustains life, much like he discovered the importance of the human heart years earlier. In his studies of geology, Leonardo becomes unabashedly heretical, using science to prove why the fossils of ocean creatures found their way to the tops of mountainsides. After the Sforzas try to retake Milan for the second time, Leonardo finds new patronage with Pope Leo the 10th, who turns out to be the son of Lorenzo the Magnificent. Now spending his days in Rome, he gets to catch up with his old friend, Donato Bramante, until a treacherous idea-thief forces him to move to France where he begins working for his most beloved patron: King Francis the 1st. After Leonardo's death, his long-time partner, Salai, gets caught stealing dozens of paintings, including the most iconic image in western history: The Mona Lisa. Tune in to our conclusion episode of Leonardo da Vinci to learn more, and bid the old master a fond farewell. (Ep. 029)

Leonardo da Vinci Part 6: Clash of the Turtles!

In part six of our Leonardo da Vinci series, we learn about the more senior years of Leonardo's life working as an engineer, before reverting his attention back to art once again. The Signoria of Florence commissions him to paint The Battle of Anghiari, only to find that a new upstart artist named Michelangelo is also commissioned to work on a wall painting right next to him. The two master artists then enter a battle of skill, until da Vinci finds a way out by asking the king of France for a favor, abandoning what could have been a masterpiece more famous than The Mona Lisa. After leaving his childhood home of Florence in favor of Milan, he first meets his adopted son, Francesco Melzi, and finds delight in scientific pursuits once again, this time revealing the ways of the heart -- literally. Tune in for part six of Leonardo da Vinci to learn more! (Ep. 028)

Leonardo da Vinci Part 5: The Borgia's Engineer General.

In part five of our series on Leonardo da Vinci, we dive into the first five years of Leonardo's return to his hometown of Florence after nearly two decades away. Upon arriving home, Leonardo discovers a conservative church-cult has taken over Florence after overthrowing Lorenzo the Magnificent. Leonardo also dodges portrait requests from bratty socialites, and paints a masterpiece known as Madonna of the Yarnwinder. Eventually, Leonardo begins to work for the infamous Cesare Borgia, whose cruel and merciless deeds would echo through history. After hearing news of the new world, da Vinci would then team up the notorious Niccolo Machiavelli, and hatch a plan for Florence to retake the port town of Pisa. But how did they plan to take the town without an army? Is it possible to steal a river? Tune in to part five of Leonardo da Vinci to find out! (Ep. 027)

Leonardo da Vinci Part 4: Taking Flight.

In part 4 of our series on Leonardo da Vinci, we finally see the master artist's time in Milan come to an end. But before his time in Milan was over, Leonardo would discover multiple laws of the universe before Newton, Galileo, or Bernoulli, and build machines that tested the very limits of human imagination. Leonardo would also be commissioned to paint one of his most prolific works, The Last Supper, depicting a freeze-frame of a pivotal bible story. With gathered scientific knowledge way before its time, da Vinci would then pursue his longest standing dream: achieving human flight. But what was the fate of Leonardo's most beloved artistic endeavor, The Sforza Horse? Would the gargantuan statue be lost to history, or did fate have other plans almost 500 years later? Tune in to part 4 of our series on Leonardo da Vinci to find out! (Ep. 026)