The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word MULLERED
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
M
U
L
L
E
R
E
D
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Brahms and Liszt" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case brahms and liszt = mullered.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does MULLERED mean?
MULLERED verb- To grind up into, or as if into, powder.
- To beat; to thrash (a person).
- To defeat or destroy utterly (as in a sport or competition).
- Drunk.
- Badly damaged; trashed; destroyed; heavily defeated.