“…was a prolific 19th-century Hungarian composer, virtuoso pianist, conductor, music teacher, arranger, organist, philanthropist, author, nationalist and a Franciscan tertiary.”
From the first several characteristics, one could probably guess that the person in question is Franz Liszt (1811-1886). But this quote from Wikipedia puts something intriguing at the end: “Franciscan tertiary.” This is only a small part of Liszt’s spiritual journey which started as a youth. After he had retired as a concert pianist, he turned his attention to teaching (without fee) and to sacred music.
Here is a statement from Liszt about his spiritual thoughts:
“You may be sure, dear friend, that I did not compose my works as one might put on a church vestment instead of an overcoat, but that it has sprung from the truly fervent faith of my heart, such as I have felt it since my childhood. . . and therefore I can truly say that my Mass has been more prayed than composed.”
— Franz Liszt to Dr. Gille, Zurich, November 14, 1856
