At first the work with such a strict master of technic as Czerny, was very irksome to the boy, who had been brought up on no method at all, but was allowed free and unrestrained rein.  He really had no technical foundation; but since he could read rapidly at sight and could glide over the keys with such astonishing ease, he imagined himself already a great artist.  Czerny soon showed him his deficiencies; proving to him that an artist must have clear touch, smoothness of execution and variety of tone.  The boy rebelled at first, but finally settled down to hard study, and the result soon astonished his teacher.  For Franz began to acquire a richness of feeling and beauty of tone wonderful for such a child.  Salieri became his teacher of theory.  He was now made to analyze and play scores, also compose little pieces and short hymns.  In all these the boy made fine progress.

He now began to realize he needed to know something besides music, and set to work by himself to read, study and write.  He also had great opportunity, through his noble Hungarian patrons, to meet the aristocracy of Vienna.  His talents, vivacity and grace, his attractive personality, all helped to win the notice of ladies—­even in those early days of his career.

After eighteen busy months in Vienna, father Liszt decided to bring his boy out in a public concert.  The Town Hall was placed at his disposal and a number of fine artists assisted.  With beaming face and sparkling eyes, the boy played with more skill, fire and confidence than he had ever done before.  The concert took place December 1, 1822.  On January 12, 1823, Franz repeated his success in another concert, again at the Town Hall.

It was after this second concert that Franz’s reputation reached the ears of Beethoven, always the object of the boy’s warmest admiration.  Several times Franz and his father had tried to see the great master, but without success.  Schindler was appealed to and promised to do his best.  He wrote in Beethoven’s diary, as the master was quite deaf: 

“Little Liszt has entreated me to beg you to write him a theme for to-morrow’s concert.  He will not break the seal till the concert begins.  Czerny is his teacher—­the boy is only eleven years old.  Do come to his concert, it will encourage the child.  Promise me you will come.”

It was the thirteenth of April, 1823.  A very large audience filled the Redouten Saal.  When Franz stepped upon the platform, he perceived the great Beethoven seated near.  A great joy filled him.  Now he was to play for the great man, whom all his young life he had worshiped from afar.  He put forth every effort to be worthy of such an honor.  Never had he played with such fire; his whole being seemed thrilled—­never had he achieved such success.  In the admiration which followed, Beethoven rose, came upon the platform, clasped the boy in his arms and kissed him repeatedly, to the frantic cheers of the audience.