AllMovie

Curiously enough, the term 'Lizstomania' didn't originate with Ken Russell, but was originally coined by German poet Heinrich Heine. It refers specificallyto the period of time - the 'pilgrimage years' - that found composer Franz Liszt traveling non-stop throughout Europe and sweeping up legions of starstruck fans. This was also the period of time in which Liszt eloped with Marie, Comtesse d'Agoult, and the period that brought Liszt to a creative peak - one he would ultimately return to with his composition Années de pèlerinage. Alex Mariotti narrates this straightforward documentary look at that period of Liszt's life, with reenactments starring David Haughton as Franz Liszt and Bridget Borgobello as Marie D'Agoult.