Lucia Negro - Stenhammar: The Complete Solo Piano Music, Vol.1 (1992)

Tracklist:

01. Fantasies (3) for piano, Op. 11: I. Molto appassionato [0:04:22.00]
02. Fantasies (3) for piano, Op. 11: II. Dolce scherzando [0:06:12.00]
03. Fantasies (3) for piano, Op. 11: III. Molto espressivo e con intimissimo sentimento [0:05:12.00]
04. Intermezzo [0:02:06.00]
05. Small Pieces (3): I. Molto tranquillo, semplice [0:02:14.00]
06. Small Pieces (3): II. Allegro [0:01:22.00]
07. Small Pieces (3): III. Polska (en miniature) [0:01:31.00]
08. Impromptu for piano in G flat major [0:04:34.00]
09. Impromptu-Waltz [0:04:11.00]
10. Allegro con moto ed appassionato [0:12:42.00]
11. Late Summer Nights for piano, Op. 33: I. Tranquillo e soave [0:05:07.00]
12. Late Summer Nights for piano, Op. 33: II. Poco presto [0:02:15.00]
13. Late Summer Nights for piano, Op. 33: III. Piano. Non troppo lento [0:03:12.00]
14. Late Summer Nights for piano, Op. 33: IV. Presto agitato [0:03:09.00]
15. Late Summer Nights for piano, Op. 33: V. Poco allegretto [0:02:59.00]
16. Late Summer Nights for piano, Op. 33: VI. Allegretto grazioso [0:03:12.00]
17. Late Summer Nights for piano, Op. 33: VII. Poco vivace, dolce e con molto grazia [0:04:32.00]

Performers:
Lucia Negro – piano

This is very powerful and convincing piano writing in the style of Schumann and Brahms, but with a slightly modern twist. I consider myself a pianophile and acceptance of new music does not come easy. This disk, however, entered the pantheon of greatness approximately 10 seconds after inserting it into my overworked and underpaid CD player. I found the piano writing idiomatic and wrought with pathos, drama and exquisite beauty. The compositions are all based on traditional forms and are easy to digest. As for the performer, his name doesn't ring a bell, but its safe to say that he delivers a no-holds barred, more than competent reading.
This is definitely music I will return to frequently. If you're becoming weary of the same old top 40 classical piano music, this should come as a welcome addition to the repertoire. I was truly moved, and therefore am compelled to give this CD an enthusiastic 5 stars. Don't miss it!