Piano Music 1

Julius Röntgen (1855-1932) was both a composer and a gifted pianist, and he knew how to write well for his instrument. Röntgen was a child prodigy, and from an early age composed ambitious works for the piano. His partnership with baritone Johannes Messchaert was legendary, and they made several European tours. At one of their recitals, in the Vienna Musikvereinsaal, it was noted that Brahms and Grieg sat together in the front row. Recent renewed interest in Röntgen has revealed many treasures still waiting to be awakened in the Röntgen Archives (Den Haag). Alongside a huge series of unknown string quartets, string trios, piano trios, and symphonies there are some 30 piano sonatas and sonatinas from 1922-1932 alone.