Why did some critics attack Franz Liszt’s musical innovations?

Franz Liszt was a controversial figure during his lifetime, and his musical innovations frequently drew criticism from more academic musicians. These attacks were largely driven by the following factors:12

• Modernism vs. Tradition: As a central figure of the so-called New German school, Liszt championed modernism, which naturally annoyed traditionalist musicians who preferred more conservative approaches to composition.2
• Departure from Classical Norms: Liszt’s work often departed from the formal constraints of the Classical sonata-centered model, favoring extramusical content and structural innovations like the symphonic poem and the "transformation of themes".13
• Professional Jealousy: Beyond his compositions, Liszt was the preeminent piano virtuoso of his era. His immense brilliance and panache often incited jealousy among his rivals.1
• Superficial Perceptions: For a significant period, critics dismissed his work as merely "brilliant trifles," failing to recognize the revolutionary nature of his harmonic language—such as his development of chromatic harmony—which anticipated the later breakdown of tonality.1

Ultimately, while these critics focused on his perceived lack of discipline or depth, history has vindicated Liszt as a visionary who revolutionized the music of his time.1