Bortkiewicz was born in Kharkov (Ukraine) in 1877 and had by any criterion a fascinating life. Living through the Russian Revolution and both World Wars, he spent much of his time uprooted, wandering and often in poverty. Yet during this time he was able, nonetheless, to compose some magnificent works, including three piano concertos, several symphonic and orchestral works and many pieces of varying length for the piano - his own instrument. Full of melody and always romantic and tonal, it is only recently that some of his output has been revived - and much is still lost. Bortkiewicz died in Vienna in 1952.

To record this CD we were fortunate in being able to obtain permission from the Holburne Museum in Bath to record the music on the Steinway concert grand that Sergei Rachmaninov chose from Steinway's showrooms in London at the start of the 20th century, and which he used for all his UK performances after 1928. With a stunningly beautiful treble range and a thunderous bass which is very evident in this recording, it really is a magnificent instrument.

Track Listing

	Lamentations and Consolations, Op 17
1.	Recitativo dolente – andantino
2.	Tranquillo e pensieroso
3.	Allegro non tanto
4.	Sostenuto e pensieroso – andante
5.	Andante
6.	Cantabile
7.	Moderato
8.	Andante
	Lyrica Nova, Op 59
9.	Con moto - affetuoso
10.	Andantino
11.	Andantine
12.	Con slancio
	Preludes, Op 66 Nos 1 & 3 (No 2 lost)
13.	Prelude No 1
14.	Prelude No 3
	Sonata No 2, Op 60 (recorded live in concert)
15.	Allegro ma non troppo
16.	Allegretto
17.	Andante misericordioso
18.	Agitato

The cost of the CD is £9.99. In addition postage and packaging to the UK is £1, to Eire and Europe £1.60 and Worldwide is £2.20.

If you wish to order multiple CDs, please contact me before placing a direct order from the website, as postage will be combined.