JOACHIM RAFF (1822-1882)

Piano Works – 2

Fantasie-Sonate Op. 168

Variationen Uber Ein Originalthema Op. 179

Vier Kavierstucke Op. 196

Tra Nguyen

Joachim Raff, Liszt’s amanuensis and confidante in Weimar, was one of Germany’s leading composers, a reputation based largely on his symphonic works. But he was prolific in other forms as well, excelling in chamber and vocal music, and especially in numerous and varied compositions for the piano.

The three works on this second volume of Raff’s piano works come from the very pinnacle of his career. The 1871 Fantasie Sonata is a fascinating and richly imaginative hybrid, whilst the Variations on an Original Theme is marked by fertility of invention. The Four Piano Pieces exemplifies Raff’s gift for lyricism and characterisation.

Tra Nguyen

British-Vietnamese pianist Tra Nguyen gave her first performance at the Hanoi Opera House when she was ten and has continued to engage audiences in other important venues worldwide. She studied with Lev Naumov at the Moscow Conservatory and with Christopher Elton at the Royal Academy of Music, London.

“Tra Nguyen has technique to burn and an instinctive feel for narrative pace; she delivers with the kind of conviction that suggests she has known the music all her life.” – Martin Anderson, International Piano

“...The nimble-fingered soloist, the young British-Vietnamese pianist Tra Nguyen, despatches the Mendelssohnian filigree writing with stylish aplomb. Altogether an engaging and attractive discovery.”

– Jeremy Nicholas, Gramophone

Grand Piano GP612