Of Raff’s nine works for solo instrument and orchestra three are for piano. The Ode au Printemps is full of freshness, its atmospheric qualities and cantabile melodies enhanced by superb orchestration. Unjustly neglected but full of dreamlike delicacy, the Piano Concerto in C minor offers one of the most delightful, lyrical and stirring works in the Romantic concerto canon. The Caprice, Op. 65, heard here in its world premiere recording, balances assured development and passionate virtuosity. Tra Nguyen’s acclaimed Raff solo piano series can be heard both as a 6-CD box [GP728X] and on separate discs.
