The German pianist and teacher Theodor Kullak, a piano student of Carl Czerny among others, enjoyed a stellar career. His transcriptions, arrangements and studies have proved enduring, while his lesser-known original works contain an abundance of persuasive pianistic colours. The pensive and dramatic Grande Sonate in F sharp minor reveals the influence of Mendelssohn and Beethoven, and the Symphonie de Piano displays elements of Schumann as well as Kullak’s fondness for Italian models. Virtuoso panache and drawing room grace are also represented in the smaller works in this selection.

Ukrainian pianist Roman Fediurko won a string of First Prizes at major competitions culminating, at just 18 years of age, in winning the Gold Medal and five special prizes at the prestigious Horowitz Competition, and this success has led to an international career, establishing him as one of the most promising artistic personalities of his generation.