Throughout his career legendary piano virtuoso Ignaz Friedman (1882-1948) served up delicacies and entrées wherever he performed, both on the concert podium and in the studio. The miniatures and larger selections featured on this recording are perfectly seasoned for the discriminating musical palate. This repertoire sets a high technical standard while evoking “longing and beauty.” The technical brilliance of ever-curious Michael Schäfer, who has already presented many rarely heard selections in GENUIN’s Un!erhört series, make these fin de siècle delicacies seem like they were composed just for him, his interpretation of the literature fitting like a glove, each track a joy to listen to. We recommend having a glass of 10-year-old, full-bodied red wine while listening ...

"Michael Schäfer not only has the pianistic adroitness but also the rich expressive resources to endow his interpretation with substance and thrilling virtuoso brilliance, churning drama, brooding clouds and moving inwardness."
Pizzicato 1/2010