Description
Most of the works included on this new release from pianist Tomasz Ritter represent the style of mature classicism heralding romanticism through works by composers all who spent time in Vienna, the musical capital of the Classical era. Both Lessel and Beethoven studied with Joseph Haydn. Vorisek, meanwhile, who arrived in Vienna just after Haydn's death (in 1813), modelled himself on Beethoven, his personal acquaintance. And although the capital of music moved in the nineteenth century to Paris, Fryderyk Chopin (1810–1849) still made two visits to Vienna (1829, 1830–1831), which enriched his musical experience and left an impression on his music and his career.
During the Classical era, fantasias were works of a free design, referring to existing forms, with elements of improvisation and bravura. Widespread in the nineteenth century were fantasias constituting arrangements of operatic arias and songs.
The spirit of the age is perfectly conveyed on this disc by the sound of an historical Viennese piano by Conrad Graf (1782–1851). His instruments were highly regarded by composers of the Classical and Romantic eras, and heralded by both Beethoven and Chopin.
Tomasz Ritter:
After a recital in Berlin in 2019, International Piano magazine dubbed Tomasz Ritter an 'intrepid adventurer'. This young musician's interests encompass early music and early instruments: fortepianos, clavichords and harpsichords.
In September 2018 Ritter won the 1st International Chopin Competition on Period Instruments, organised by the Fryderyk Chopin Institute. He is also a prize-winner of many other competitions, including the 11th 'Arthur Rubinstein Memorial' International Competition for Young Pianists in Bydgoszcz.