Already known as the reigning piano virtuoso in Europe, Franz Liszt was the first to recognize the absolute originality of Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique. At the work's premiere in Paris on December 5, 1830, Liszt, who met Berlioz for the first time the day before, was ecstatic about the work. Soon after hearing it again in December 1832, the twenty-one-year-old Liszt decided to make a piano transcription, the first of its kind of a romantic orchestral work. Completed in August 30, 1833, the transcription conforms as literally as possible to Berlioz's score as revised through the End of 1832. The piano score was published in 1834 and underwritten by Liszt as a friendly gesture to Berlioz, who seemed to be in perpetual financial distress.

Todd Crow has been acclaimed for performances in North and South America and Europe. The New York Times has described his playing as "heroic, [showing] endless flair, color and stamina." The Times of London has called his playing "spine chilling" and "exhilarating."