Dohnanyi: Nursery Variations; Liszt: Totentanz; Rachmaninov: Paganini Rhapsody

Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of classical piano with this exquisite album featuring the virtuoso performances of Ernst von Dohnányi and András Schiff. Released on January 1, 2013, under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label, this collection spans a rich tapestry of genres within the classical piano and chamber music realms, offering a total duration of 1 hour and 13 minutes of pure musical bliss.

The album opens with Dohnányi's masterful "Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25," a delightful suite that showcases the composer's genius through a series of intricate variations. Each movement, from the majestic "Introduzione" to the lively "Finale Fugato," reveals Dohnányi's profound understanding of musical form and his ability to transform a simple nursery tune into a symphony of emotions.

Following this, the album delves into the dramatic and powerful "Totentanz, S.126" by Franz Liszt, a paraphrase on the "Dies Irae" for piano and orchestra. This piece is a tour de force, demanding both technical brilliance and emotional depth from the performer.

The album concludes with two iconic works by Sergei Rachmaninov: the "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43" and the "Paganini Variations for Piano & Orchestra." These pieces are celebrated for their technical complexity and lyrical beauty, providing a fitting finale to this remarkable collection.

András Schiff's masterful piano playing, accompanied by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Sir Georg Solti, brings these compositions to life with unparalleled artistry. Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises an enriching and enjoyable listening experience.