The largest part of the output of the Hamburg-born composer and writer Walter Niemann (1876–1953), a student of both Humperdinck and Reinecke, is piano music: an astonishing 1,000 or so pieces, divided into 189 opus numbers. Most of them are lyrical miniatures in a warm and approachable late-Romantic style, some evoking the music of the past – often with a touching degree of dignity and restraint, but also with an occasional flash of good humour. The range of moods here is surprisingly wide, from pieces recalling late Brahms and a barcarolle evoking Offenbach, via light-hearted character-sketches and evocative picture-postcards, to a warm-hearted and tender piano sonata.

‘Kamieniak is a worthy champion of Niemann’s music. He has a flair for Niemann’s character and picture painting alongside finely crafted phrases and fabulous pedalling. With a clear, rich sound this is an excellent addition to Niemann’s growing discography and I hope that he adds more volumes to this series that he began with four of the piano cycles on Toccata Classics.’ – Rob Challinor, MusicWeb International on Vol.2 (TOCC747)