Franz Liszt (Hungarian: Liszt Ferenc; pronounced [ˈlɪst]) (October 22, 1811 – July 31, 1886) was a Hungarian composer and virtuoso pianist of the 19th century. He was a renowned performer throughout Europe, noted especially for his showmanship and great skill with the piano. To this day, he is considered by some to have been the greatest pianist in history.[1] As a composer, Liszt was one of the most prominent representatives of the "Neudeutsche Schule" ("New German School").