Tchaikovsky was deeply sensitive, neurotic and he led an often tortured life. Through his emotionally charged music emerged a genius that created some of the most beautiful romantic melodies loved by people the world over. Ballet, for centuries a minor art form, found its perfect expression in Tchaikovsky's music for The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. On this CD one can enjoy Pavel Nerssesian's exceptionally fine and sensitive interpretation of Mikhael Pletnev's transcription for piano of The Sleeping Beauty.  

Franz Schubert. In his short lifetime Schubert produced masterworks in a number of genres and established himself as one of the greatest song writers in musical history. His warm, friendly nature made him much loved by all who knew him. The three series Impromptus with the D.899 Nos. 2 & 4 on this CD are at the centre of the composer's pianistic achievements. Written initially in answer to a publisher's request for attractive piano music and not even titled by Schubert, they deliver an abundance of musical riches.

Domenico Scarlatti. Italian composer, harpsichordist and teacher. He went to serve at the patriarchal chapel, moving to Madrid in 1728 in the train of the infanta. There he stayed until his death, sharing authority with the eminent castrato Farinelli. Scarlatti is best remembered for his nearly 600 harpsichord sonatas, which exerted an important influence on keyboard writing.

Alexander Scriabin. An eccentric Russian composer, Scriabin pursued an active concert career despite his unusually small hands. His works combine an acute awareness of sensuality and colour in music and of the relationship between music and visual stimulation and include many works for piano solo such as Etudes, 10 sonatas, Impromptus and Preludes.

Sergei Rachmaninov. As the last of the great Russian romantic composers, Sergei Rachmaninov wrote some of the 20th century's most loved music. He gained considerable success in all 3 aspects of his career as composer, pianist and conductor, and he made many tours in America playing mostly his own works. His piano works include 4 Piano Concertos, Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, 33 Etudes-Tableaux, Preludes and Moment Musical.

Moritz Moszkowski. Polish pianist and composer with his debut in Berlin in 1873 performed to great acclaim, resulting in many concert tours. In 1897 he moved to Paris and composed many works including a piano concerto, suites for orchestra, a violin concerto, chamber music, ballet and opera but is especially known for his piano music - Etudes, 'Spanish Dances' and Concert-Waltz. 

Robert Schumann. Composer, performer, critic and intellectual, a complex character who lived a turbulent yet at times brilliantly creative life and was the essence of the romantic composer. Schumann was influential in promoting the music of other young composers, including Chopin and Brahms. Strange as it may seem, Schumann's music was less known in his day than were his activities as a writer.