Why did Franz Liszt transcribe Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique for piano?

Franz Liszt transcribed Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique for the piano primarily to make the work more accessible to the public. During the 19th century, many significant compositions were still greatly neglected, and by creating piano transcriptions, Liszt was able to spread the appreciation of music by composers like Berlioz, Beethoven, and Schubert.12

By performing these transcriptions in his own concerts, Liszt encouraged the performance and recognition of works that were otherwise insufficiently appreciated at the time. This effort was part of his broader commitment to supporting other composers and expanding the reach of their music through the medium of the piano.21