Günther Franz Kasseckert, a passionate musician and psychologist, infused his piano pieces with his love for nature and his knowledge of the human psyche.
Composition History
Beethoven dedicated his C major Piano Concerto to his pupil Babette von Keglevics, the daughter of the noble Director of the Burgtheater in Vienna, who could foster a young musician's career.
Compositional Technique
Beethoven's C major Piano Concerto was first performed in 1795 with the solo part largely improvised; the cadenza on this recording reflects his improvising skills.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Beethoven, in his 1800 concert, performed his own works alongside those of Mozart and Haydn, signaling his intention to expand the 'Viennese Classical duo' into a 'threesome'.
Recording & Production
Most of Günther Franz Kasseckert's piano pieces on this album are world premiere recordings, commissioned by the Graf von Pückler und Limpurg´sche Wohltätigkeitsstiftung.
Critical Reception
Robert Schumann, a respected critic, initially believed Mendelssohn's second piano concerto was a 'fleeting creation' written in 'a few days, even hours', though he was mistaken about the time it took to compose.
Composition History
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy struggled to compose his second piano concerto for five months, despite wanting to write it for an upcoming concert tour.
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