This collection spotlights six legendary pianist-composers from the 19th and 20th centuries. Adolf von Henselt’s ferocious technical studies and Romantic salon pieces led Schumann to dub him ‘the Chopin of the North’. Polish virtuoso Ignaz Friedman’s works offer delightful melodic beauty and harmonic inventiveness set alongside works by his countryman, Józef Hofmann, renowned as a poet of the keyboard. The French master musician Alfred Cortot is represented here with a selection of stylish piano arrangements of works by great composers. As one of Finland’s most respected musicians during the early 20th century, Selim Palmgren displays a wide variety of technical and stylistic challenges with music that is both traditional and visionary; while music by the exiled Russian composer Nikolai Medtner is highly Romantic and spiritually charged. These six towering superstars represent the summit of the piano’s Romantic golden age, heard here in critically acclaimed performances by award-winning pianists.
‘[Sergio Gallo’s] playing is lively and attractive, and he planned this programme intelligently to present the listener with variety and contrast as well as the flavour of this composer’s lovely music.’ – American Record Guide (GP661)
‘Paul Stewart adds a voice of exceptional distinction, finely presented and recorded.’ – Gramophone (GP617)
‘This is, in all the senses of the word, a brilliant release. […] What a fantastic discovery!’ – Pianist Editor’s Choice (GP641)
