IGNAZ BRÜLL (1846-1907): Sonata in D Minor, Op. 73, Suite No. 2, Op. 71, 7 Albumblätter für die Jugend, Op. 33, from Suite No. 3, Op. 76: Legende and Sarabande, from 5 Piano Pieces, Op. 57: Romanze, from Suite No. 4, Op. 80: Cavatine.

Description: Hot on the heels of the specially-imported, hard-to-find Cameo Classics Brüll recital which we offered in June comes this brand-new recital which duplicates nothing on the other disc. The German Romanticism of Schumann, Mendelssohn and Brahms is everywhere, the former particularly in the Albumblätter of the mid 1870s, whose titles even recall some of those in Schumann's op. 99. The historicizing traits of Viennese composers in the late 19th century are shown in the suites (one complete and movements from two others) with their sequences of baroque dance titles updated in Romantic language. Brüll's only sonata dates from 1893, a four-movement work of 27 minutes and deep seriousness of mood and purpose. A lack of showy virtuosity belies its technical challenges. Alexandra Oehler (piano).