The three Sonatinas Opus 137 were written in 1816, one of Schubert’s happiest and most prolific years. He modelled them on the Sonatas of Mozart, but they are full of unmistakable Schubertian lyricism which was much admired by Brahms. The arpeggione…

Vladimir Ashkenazy has had a particular affection for the music of Rachmaninoff throughout his professional life, and his performances have long had the ring both of authenticity and of deep commitment. This is not surprising in a Russian-born and…

On 9th of July 2001, Evgeny Kissin played a truly memorable piano recital in the old Roman theatre at Orange in the south of France, as part of the Chorégies d'Orange Summer Festival and although it rained, twice, in the two hours before it began, he…

On 17 July 1986, Nathan Milstein played his last public recital in the Berwaldhallen in Stockholm. The recital included the Bach Chaconne, one of the towering masterpieces of Western music and one of the most difficult to do justice to. Milstein was…

Roman Zaslavsky is a master of piano technique that espouses nuance without resorting to arbitrary mannerisms. He first gained recognition by taking 1st prize - the Primer Gran Premio - at the José Iturbi International Music Competition in Valencia…

An undisputed master of the lied, Schubert was also highly prolific in the chamber repertoire. Although an accomplished violinist, Schubert composed only a few pieces for violin and piano. The sonatines are early works. Nine years later, he composed…

Eugène Ysaÿe (1858-1931) was not only one of the greatest violinists of his time, he was also a composer, conductor and teacher. What's more, great composers inspired him. And in turn, his exceptional artistry inspired them to create exceptional…

Roman Zaslavsky understands how to contrast the two ingenious opposites Robert Schumann and Franz Liszt side by side, on one recording giving each one his due, thus offering a completely new approach to their music and also to two rather different…

Since its founding over 500 years ago the Wiener Sängerknaben, a.k.a. Vienna Boys' Choir, has been a fixed attraction in musical life. A number of important musicians have been connected with the famous choir. Joseph Haydn, and Franz Schubert for…

Charpentier’s most famous Te Deum – he wrote four – overawes in exultant D Major, with an eight-part ensemble and show-stealing trumpets and timpani. It is no great surprise then that this work – and especially its instrumental prelude – became a hit…