This album includes world première recordings of some of Raff's piano works.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Raff's Blätter und Blüten (Leaves and Blossoms) piano pieces illustrate the popular 19th-century concept of the 'Language of Flowers,' where blooms symbolize human moods or attributes.
Composer Biography
Raff was entirely self-taught in music and overcame early poverty, even being briefly imprisoned for debt in Weimar.
Composition History
The Grande Sonate, Op. 14, is a completely new composition from 1881, despite sharing its opus number and key with an earlier 1844 work by Raff.
Composer Biography
Joachim Raff, the composer, was once considered the foremost symphonist of his day during the 1860s and 1870s.
Composition History
Felix Mendelssohn, a famous German composer, was impressed by Raff's early compositions and advised him to pursue music full-time.
Performer Biography
Tra Nguyen, the pianist on this recording, received the Royal Academy of Music's highest award for her final recital and was awarded ARAM for her significant contribution to music.
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