IGNAZ FRIEDMAN (1882-1948): 4 Klavierstücke, Op. 27, 4 Préludes, Op. 61, Strophes, Op. 71 (all World Premiere Recordings), Stimmungen, Op. 79, 6 Wiener Tänze nach Motiven von Eduard Gärtner.

Description: This virtuoso pianist’s compositions have long been neglected but they possess great melodic beauty and harmonic inventiveness. Grouped into sets of character pieces, they exude the haunting melodies of late- Romanticism. The lush inventiveness of the Klavierstücke finds time for Polish folkloric inspirations whilst Stimmungen – dedicated to his friend Rachmaninov - is pensive, passionate, serious and colorful. Strophes reflects Friedman’s love of Grieg, as well as the abiding influence of Vienna. Joseph Banowetz (piano).