Piotr Anderszewski

The Polish pianist contrasts Johannes Brahms's melancholic Intermezzi with Béla Bartók's daring Bagatelles.

The Polish pianist Piotr Anderszewski is known for his intimate and subtle playing style. It is beautifully suited to this programme of small-but-perfectly-formed works.

Towards the end of his life, Johannes Brahms had a remarkable burst of creativity, much of it directed towards the piano. Written between 1892 and 1893, his graceful Intermezzi demonstrate stylistic freedom. Some resemble lullabies, others are darker and more troubled; each is expressive of a very personal world.

Béla Bartók explored new musical territory with his 14 Bagatelles, composed in 1908. After finding inspiration in the folk music of Hungary and Transylvania, he began to break away from European convention, fusing traditional music with a highly individual, progressive style. Though tiny, these Bagatelles pack a punch and demonstrate an astonishing range of moods.

Brahms Selections from Fantasies, Op.116 Three Intermezzi, Op.117 Six Pieces, Op.118 Four Pieces, Op.119

Bartók 14 Bagatelles, Op.6