DAVID POPPER (1843-1913): 3 Pieces, Op. 11, Im Walde, Op. 50, Suite, Op. 69, GREGOR PIATIGORSKY (1903-1976): Variations on a Paganini Theme.

Description: Im Walde is a 23-minute, six-movement suite of Romantic character pieces in Schumannian style which use practically all of the stereotypes of romantic forest music (hunting horns, dancing gnomes, festival dances, etc.) to delightful effect while the 27-minute suite is rather more abstract - in effect, a four-movement sonata with a second movement minuet; the op. 11 pieces are of encore-style material. Piatigorsky's 16-minute set of 15 variations on "the" Paganini theme (1946) memorialize a musical colleague in each one - sheer fun for performer and listener alike. Wendy Warner (cello), Eileen Buck (piano).