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Benjamin Grosvenor

Schumann & Brahms

Decca Classics
Release Date: March 17, 2023

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Interview w/ WGTE
WGBH Music: Benjamin Grosvenor performs Federico Mompou's Paisajes
Benjamin Grosvenor makes his CSO debut
1 R. Schumann: Kreisleriana, Op.16 / i. Äußerst bewegt  
2 ii. Sehr innig und nicht zu rasch  
3 iii. Sehr aufgeregt  
4 iv. Sehr langsam  
5 v. Sehr lebhaft  
6 vi. Sehr langsam  
7 vii. Sehr rasch  
8 viii. Schnell und spielend  
9 R. Schumann: 3 Romanzen, Op. 28, No. 2 in F-Sharp Major (Einfach)  
10 R. Schumann: Blumenstück, Op.19  
11 R. Schumann: Piano Sonata No. 3 in F Minor, Op. 14: III. Quasi variazioni  
12 R. Schumann: Abendlied, Op. 85 No. 12  
13 C. Schumann: Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann, Op. 20  
14 Brahms: Intermezzi, Op. 117 / 1. In E-Flat Major  
15 2. In B-Flat Major  
16 3. In C-Sharp Minor  
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The acclaimed British pianist, Benjamin Grosvenor, still only 30 and yet a well-established favourite of critics and audiences around the globe, takes Robert Schumann’s haunting Kreisleriana as his starting point in his new album, Schumann & Brahms. This eight-movement work portrays the mercurial personality of the fictional Johannes Kreisler, created by E. T. A. Hoffmann: Kreisler’s highs and lows, and his dreamy nature, clearly mirror Schumann’s own tragic manic-depressive tendencies. Grosvenor responds to the composer’s autobiographical honesty with playing of sublime tenderness, dazzling variety, and imaginative empathy.

He accompanies the work with the melancholic Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann by Schumann’s beloved wife Clara (who, incidentally, stated that she was much disturbed by the visions conjured up in Kreisleriana). Further kaleidoscopic variety is provided by Robert’s Blumenstück, and Quasi Variazione: Andantino de Clara Wieck. The recital also includes Brahms’ Three Intermezzi, autumnal works which shed a fascinating light on the complicated relationship which existed between Robert, Clara and Brahms himself. Grosvenor’s own arrangement of Robert’s Abendlied completes the programme.

The recording is Benjamin Grosvenor’s seventh for Decca since 2011, when he became the youngest musician - and also the first British pianist in more than sixty years - to sign to the label. Since then he has won inter alia several Gramophone Awards, and the prestigious Diapason d’Or de l’année. After a spectacular win, at the age of just 11, in the keyboard section of the BBC Young Musician competition, he went on to become the youngest soloist ever to appear at the opening night of the BBC Proms in 2011.

  • Benjamin Grosvenor at London's Wigmore Hall. Virtuosity preferences power over pastel colours / The Guardian
    Posted At: May 8, 2023 12:00 AM
    British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor is internationally recognized for his sonorous lyricism and understated brilliance at the keyboard. His virtuosic interpretations are underpinned by a unique balance of technical mastery and intense musicality. Grosvenor has been heralded one of the most important pianists to emerge from the UK in several decades.His 22/23 season begins with Prokofiev‘s Piano Concerto no.3...
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  • All Classical Portland's John Pitman reviews 'Benjamin Grosvenor's new Decca recording of 'Schumann & Brahms'
    Posted At: April 24, 2023 12:00 AM
    The acclaimed British pianist, Benjamin Grosvenor, still only 30 and yet a well-established favourite of critics and audiences around the globe, takes Robert Schumann’s haunting Kreisleriana as his starting point in his new album, Schumann & Brahms. This eight-movement work portrays the mercurial personality of the fictional Johannes Kreisler, created by E. T. A. Hoffmann: Kreisler’s highs and lows, and...
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  • Schumann & Brahms recording suggest Brahms is where Benjamin Grosvenor should head next / BBC Music Magazine
    Posted At: April 17, 2023 12:00 AM
    The acclaimed British pianist, Benjamin Grosvenor, still only 30 and yet a well-established favourite of critics and audiences around the globe, takes Robert Schumann’s haunting Kreisleriana as his starting point in his new album, Schumann & Brahms. This eight-movement work portrays the mercurial personality of the fictional Johannes Kreisler, created by E. T. A. Hoffmann: Kreisler’s highs and lows, and...
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  • The Schumann's, Brahms, and the one and only Benjamin Grosvenor / 99.5CRB - Boston
    Posted At: March 30, 2023 12:00 AM
    Benjamin Grosvenor, with his left hand resting on a piano, tilts his head toward the camera through a raised piano lid while his body faces towards his right.The acclaimed British pianist, Benjamin Grosvenor, still only 30 and yet a well-established favourite of critics and audiences around the globe, takes Robert Schumann’s haunting Kreisleriana as his starting point in his new album, Schumann & Brahms...
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  • Benjamin Grosvenor - Schumann & Brahms makes ABC Classic: New Releases
    Posted At: March 27, 2023 12:00 AM
    The acclaimed British pianist, Benjamin Grosvenor, still only 30 and yet a well-established favourite of critics and audiences around the globe, takes Robert Schumann’s haunting Kreisleriana as his starting point in his new album, Schumann & Brahms. This eight-movement work portrays the mercurial personality of the fictional Johannes Kreisler, created by E. T. A. Hoffmann: Kreisler’s highs and lows, and...
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  • Benjamin Grosvenor - Schumann & Brahms. An old head on young fingers / LIMELIGHT
    Posted At: March 24, 2023 12:00 AM
    The acclaimed British pianist, Benjamin Grosvenor, still only 30 and yet a well-established favourite of critics and audiences around the globe, takes Robert Schumann’s haunting Kreisleriana as his starting point in his new album, Schumann & Brahms. This eight-movement work portrays the mercurial personality of the fictional Johannes Kreisler, created by E. T. A. Hoffmann: Kreisler’s highs and lows, and...
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  • Benjamin Grosvenor - Schumann & Brahms is the WFMT: Featured New Release
    Posted At: March 21, 2023 12:00 AM
    The acclaimed British pianist, Benjamin Grosvenor, still only 30 and yet a well-established favourite of critics and audiences around the globe, takes Robert Schumann’s haunting Kreisleriana as his starting point in his new album, Schumann & Brahms. This eight-movement work portrays the mercurial personality of the fictional Johannes Kreisler, created by E. T. A. Hoffmann: Kreisler’s highs and lows, and...
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  • Benjamin Grosvenor's Schumann & Brahms featured on Cincinnati's Classical 90.9 - New@Noon
    Posted At: March 13, 2023 12:00 AM
    Cincinnati Classical 90.9 John Clare writes…..New Releases for the week of March 13th…Fantasy, Ecstasy, Despair – Pianist Benjamin Grosvenor Records Robert and Clara Schumann, with Brahms, now out on Decca. Here's the scheduleMonday 3/13: Clara Schumann: Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann, Op. 20 Benjamin Grosvenor, piano ‘Schumann & Brahms’ Decca RecordsTuesday 3/14: Johannes Brahms: Three I...
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  • Louisville Public Media's 'Behind the Playlist' features: Benjamin Grosvenor
    Posted At: March 9, 2023 12:00 AM
    The acclaimed British pianist, Benjamin Grosvenor, still only 30 and yet a well-established favourite of critics and audiences around the globe, takes Robert Schumann’s haunting Kreisleriana as his starting point in his new album, Schumann & Brahms. This eight-movement work portrays the mercurial personality of the fictional Johannes Kreisler, created by E. T. A. Hoffmann: Kreisler’s highs and lows, and...
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  • Benjamin Grosvenor returns to 92NY with Bach, Schumann, Ravel, and Prokofiev / THE CITY LIFEORG
    Posted At: February 28, 2023 12:00 AM
    Pianist Benjamin Grosvenor returns to 92NY on March 16, 2023, following a 2017 debut, opening his program with Busoni’s transcription of Bach’s Chaconne before Schumann’s C-Major Fantasie. This program’s second half begins with more Ravel with his Baroque homage in modern colors, Le tombeau de Couperin, and closes with Prokofiev’s B-Flat Major Sonata.Program:Bach, Chaconne in D Minor (from Partita No. 2, BW...
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  • Benjamin Grosvenor chats with Classical Radio about new Decca Classics release: 'Schumann & Brahms'
    Posted At: February 21, 2023 12:00 AM
    The acclaimed British pianist, Benjamin Grosvenor, still only 30 and yet a well-established favourite of critics and audiences around the globe, takes Robert Schumann’s haunting Kreisleriana as his starting point in his new album, Schumann & Brahms. This eight-movement work portrays the mercurial personality of the fictional Johannes Kreisler, created by E. T. A. Hoffmann: Kreisler’s highs and lows, and...
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  • Classic 107 - Winnipeg chats with Benjamin Grosvenor about Liszt
    Posted At: February 27, 2021 12:00 AM

    Classic 107 - Winnipeg CAN Host Chris Wolf had the opportunity to Zoom chat with world renowned pianist Benjamin Grosvenor about his latest recording. A recoding featuring the music of Liszt. The English pianist Benjamin Grosvenor is one of today's most sought after pianists. Ever since winning the BBC Young Musician of the Year at the age of 12 in 2004, Grosvenor has developed an International caree...
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  • For Benjamin Grosvenor - Liszt signifies his most substantial solo recording to date / WFMT: Featured New Release
    Posted At: February 19, 2021 12:00 AM

    British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor is internationally recognized for his electrifying performances, distinctive sound, and insightful interpretations. The album Liszt signifies his most substantial solo recording to date, centered around the works of the Romantic piano virtuoso and composer Franz Liszt. Grosvenor says, "The music of Liszt has been central to my repertoire since I was introduced to it as ...
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  • Benjamin Grosvenor talks about his personal and passionate testament to the visionary spirit of Franz Liszt with 99.5CRB - Boston
    Posted At: February 19, 2021 12:00 AM

    99.5CRB - Boston's Cathy Fuller writes.....Pianist Benjamin Grosvenor talks about his personal and passionate testament to the visionary spirit of Franz Liszt, prepared and recorded in the dark months of COVID. Grosvenor is twenty-eight, and yet his remarkable musicianship has been capturing the hearts of the public for a long time. He won the BBC Young Musician Competition at eleven, when his imagin...
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  • 89.1WMHT: Schenectady chats with Benjamin Grosvenor
    Posted At: February 17, 2021 12:00 AM

    89.1WMHT: Schenectady NY's Rob Brown writes....When British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor was just a boy, his grandfather, an amateur pianist, introduced him to the music of Franz Liszt. Grosvenor's new recording on Decca Records is all music of Liszt. Grosvenor said, "I wanted with this recording to show the composer in his different aspects, including some of his original compositions, but also di...
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  • Benjamin Grosvenor learns Liszt from listening / The New York Times
    Posted At: February 15, 2021 12:00 AM

    The New York Times - David Allen writes....For his new album, Benjamin Grosvenor delved into historical recordings of the daunting Sonata in B minor. "This is music that's probably not supposed to be played cleanly," Benjamin Grosvenor said of Liszt's Piano Sonata in B minor, the centerpiece of his new album. How do the great musicians prepare to play the great works? Each has his or her own methods,...
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  • Benjamin Grosvenor w/RSNO 'Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 1, Romance' makes The New York Times '25 Best Classical Music Tracks of 2020'
    Posted At: December 17, 2020 12:00 AM

    Listen to our critics' favorites from a year in which much of the energy in music came from recordings. By Anthony Tommasini, Zachary Woolfe, Joshua Barone, Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim, David Allen and Seth Colter Walls There's pianism of historic caliber on this release, and another mark of Mr. Grosvenor's breathtaking maturity, even though he is still in his 20s. Summoning playing of pure poetry, h...
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  • Benjamin Grosvenor backed by RSNO are glittering and achingly lovely on new Chopin / LIMELIGHT
    Posted At: July 8, 2020 12:00 AM

    Since bursting on the scene as a child prodigy, Benjamin Grosvenor has established himself as the most exciting and accomplished British pianist of his generation. Remarkably mature for his 27 years, he has five albums under his belt since being the youngest pianist to sign with Decca in 2011. His latest release, the two Chopin concertos, marks his first orchestral outing since his 2012 Rhapsody In Blue ...
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  • 89.7WCPE interviews Benjamin Grosvenor
    Posted At: June 28, 2020 12:00 AM

    British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor presents a new recording of two concerto favorites: Chopin's Piano Concertos Nos.1 and 2, released on Decca Classics. Recorded with Elim Chan and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO), the record marks Benjamin's fifth album on Decca Classics, following the hugely successful Homages in 2016, and is his first orchest...
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  • Benjamin Grosvenor shares with All Classical Portland that his first love at the piano was Chopin
    Posted At: April 16, 2020 12:00 AM

    British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor grew up with Chopin. He shares with John Pitman that "my first love at the piano…was Chopin."  In his newest recording for Decca, Mr. Grosvenor explores Chopin's piano concertos, one of which includes a sort of musical love note by the young composer to a singer that he admired. In the accompanying interview, hear some of Grosvenor's performance, as wel...
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  • Benjamin Grosvenor with RSNO under Elim Chan play to Chopin's natural strengths / The Scotsman
    Posted At: March 22, 2020 12:00 AM

    "Put all your soul into it, play the way you feel!" Pianist Benjamin Grosvenor has taken these words by Chopin completely to heart in these distinctive, compelling performances of both Chopin piano concertos with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and its principal guest conductor Elim Chan. The E minor Concerto opens in a wash of summery radiance, the strings superheated and heartfelt, from which the...
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  • Benjamin Grosvenor brings shimmering playing and a touch of wizardry to Chopin Piano Concertos / Financial Times
    Posted At: March 6, 2020 12:00 AM

    A career does not always go to plan for a young pianist who has been hailed as a prodigy. Benjamin Grosvenor came to notice at 11, when he won the piano section of BBC Young Musician of the Year. He made his debut at Carnegie Hall, New York, aged 13, and was the youngest-ever soloist to appear at the opening night of the BBC Proms in 2011. Now in his late 20s, Grosvenor is out on the internationa...
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  • Benjamin Grosvenor - Chopin Piano Concertos w/RSNO is GRAMOPHONE: Recording of the Month
    Posted At: March 3, 2020 12:00 AM

    James Jolly's latest playlist includes a quartet of concertos – Chopin from Benjamin Grosvenor, Mozart from Charles Richard-Hamelin, Tjeknavorian Snr from Tjeknavorian Jnr, and Adès from Kirill Gerstein plus Lili Boulanger songs with Cyrille Dubois, and Walton sung by Carolyn Sampson – plus pre-release tracks by Matthias Goerne and Jan Lisiecki, Seong-Jin Cho, and the Czech Philhar...
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  • Benjamin Grosvenor discusses Chopin Piano Concertos with Spokane Public Radio
    Posted At: March 3, 2020 12:00 AM

    British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor presents a new recording of two concerto favorites: Chopin's Piano Concertos Nos.1 and 2, released on Decca Classics. Recorded with Elim Chan and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO), the record marks Benjamin's fifth album on Decca Classics, following the hugely successful Homages in 2016, and is his first orchest...
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  • Chopin has always been an integral part of Benjamin Grosvenor's repertoire / Classical Music Sentinel
    Posted At: February 26, 2020 12:00 AM

    The two Piano Concertos by Frederic Chopin recorded here have been an integral part of British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor's repertoire ever since his early teens. And this level of familiarity definitely manifests itself in his playing. There's a constant fluid limpidity and clarity to his phrasing, and an overall forward momentum shaped by delicate contours. Nothing ever sounds forced or affecte...
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  • Benjamin Grosvenor - Chopin Piano Concertos w/RSNO is the WFMT: Featured New Release
    Posted At: February 26, 2020 12:00 AM

    British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor presents a new recording of two favorites: Chopin's Piano Concertos Nos. 1 and 2 with conductor Elim Chan and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. These works have been an active part of Grosvenor's repertoire since his early teens: "Chopin was the first composer to whom I felt a strong connection as a child. I have always been drawn to his music, and his piano concer...
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  • Benjamin Grosvenor chats with classical radio about new Chopin PC recording
    Posted At: February 19, 2020 12:00 AM

    British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor presents a new recording of two concerto favorites: Chopin's Piano Concertos Nos.1 and 2, released on Decca Classics. Recorded with Elim Chan and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO), the record marks Benjamin's fifth album on Decca Classics, following the hugely successful Homages in 2016, and is his first orchest...
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  • Benjamin Grosvenor visits 'Between the Keys' on New Jersey's Classical Network
    Posted At: February 18, 2020 12:00 AM

    27-year-old Benjamin Grosvenor is considered to be one of the greatest pianists of his generation, or any other generation, for that matter. Ever since emerging in his teens as a prodigy mature beyond his years, Grosvenor continues to evolve artistically, as he builds a legacy of recordings that often achieve reference status, such as his Chopin Scherzos and Ravel's Gaspard de la nuit, and a new release ...
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  • Benjamin Grosvenor to release new Chopin PC recording / Pianist Magazine
    Posted At: January 9, 2020 12:00 AM

    The British pianist presents two concerto favourites: Chopin's Piano Concertos Nos.1 and 2, accompanied by Elim Chan and The Royal Scottish National Orchestra. The record marks Benjamin's fifth album on Decca Classics, following the hugely successful Homages in 2016, and is his first orchestral album since 2012. These works have been an active part of Grosvenor's repertoire since his early teens. He ...
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  • Benjamin Grosvenor will join Halle Orchestra for final date of Sheffield City Hall season / Sheffield Telegraph
    Posted At: May 27, 2019 12:00 AM

    The Hallé Orchestra bring the current classical music season in Sheffield City Hall to a close with a programme of Mozart, Beethoven and Mahler, featuring a world-class young musician. The spirited and charismatic Hungarian conductor Gergely Madaras joins the orchestra on June 7 and the soloist is Benjamin Grosvenor. Acknowledged as one of the finest young pianists in the world, Benjamin make...
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  • A new generation of pianists are combining 19th-century pianism with impeccable technique and entrepreneurial savvy / GRAMOPHONE
    Posted At: February 20, 2019 12:00 AM

    The Romantic era of piano-playing has long held fascination for pianists, piano critics and piano mavens. There are several reasons for this. One is the fact that the core recital repertoire remains largely orientated in the 19th century. Another concerns great pianists rooted in that same era who learnt the Romantic traditions at close proximity to the proverbial horse's mouth, and, more significantly, ...
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  • Benjamin Grosvenor with the Doric String Quartet at barbican, was a night to remember / The Arts Desk
    Posted At: February 12, 2019 12:00 AM

    Welcome to Milton Court's evening with the Doric String Quartet and pianist Benjamin Grosvenor, with a spot of Chopin. The evening began pleasantly enough with the Doric Quartet in the Schubert Quartettsatz. This fast-rising young ensemble looks as if it has stepped straight out of an Ian McEwan novel. Earnest, stylish and intense, they offset one another in the ensemble with an engaging flexibility and ...
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  • Benjamin Grosvenor, back with the SSO / Seattle Times
    Posted At: June 24, 2018 12:00 AM

    The end of this month marks the fourth appearance of 25-year-old Benjamin Grosvenor in Seattle in six years. He will be performing Chopin's 1829 Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. Hailed by Gramophone magazine as possibly "the most remarkable young pianist of our time" - Grosvenor's program also includes a pair of audience favorites composed by Camille Saint-Saën...
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  • Luminous and thrilling chamber music from Grosvenor/Park/Ridout/Soltani/Bosch at Queen Elizabeth Hall / The Guardian
    Posted At: June 1, 2018 12:00 AM

    The Southbank Centre's newly refurbished Queen Elizabeth Hall has been open almost two months, its spruced-up interior resonating throughout this season with echoes of its musical past. This concert was one of the most daring backward glances yet. The young British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor gathered an ensemble of friends for a programme including Schubert's Trout Quintet: a nod towards a c...
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  • Benjamin Grosvenor plays the unplayable on Performance Today
    Posted At: March 15, 2018 12:00 AM

    When Maurice Ravel wrote Gaspard de la Nuit, he was trying to make it the most difficult piano music ever written... perhaps even unplayable. Benjamin Grosvenor plays the unplayable, in concert on Performance Today for Thursday March 15. Hosted by Fred Child, and SYNDICATED on Americam Public Media. Here's a rundown of the complete show.  Hour Two Jennifer Higdon : String Poetic: Noc...
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  • Benjamin Grosvenor on the creators who inspire him / Classic KINGFM Seattle
    Posted At: March 22, 2017 12:00 AM

    In Benjmain Grosvenor's new recording - Homages, The British pianist explores works by great composers paying tribute to their predecessors. Among these, Mendelssohn looks back to the Prelude & Fugue form made so popular by Bach; and Franck does likewise (adding a Chorale as a central section). Busoni takes Bach's great solo violin Chaconne, presenting it in a bold transcription for...
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