This new Thalberg recording by Mark Viner is a worthy successor to his highly successful previous recording, of which the Gramophone wrote:

“Thalberg’s music glitters and is certainly not all gold but, chosen carefully, there are many gems to be found. Mark Viner has done just that..Viner injects a real sense of drama, using the full range of his beautifully voiced Steinwy to full advantage. His rubato is subtly, perfectly judged, the piano sings (this is what Thalberg was all about..) and from Viner’s fingers the iridescent showers of notes cascade with scintillating exuberance…an exceptional disc from a blazing young British talent”(Jeremy Nicholas).

• For this second Thalberg recording Mark Viner chose the fantasies on French operas: Les Huguenots (Meyerbeer), Charles VI (Halevy), La Muette de Portici (Auber), Marche de l’Apotheose (Berlioz), Casta Diva (Bellini) and Bella Adorata (Mercadante), containing several First Recordings.

• Mark Viner took the musical world by storm by his innovative concert programs and CD recordings containing rarely heard repertoire from unjustly forgotten romantic composers. His Alkan and Chaminade recordings earned him 5 star reviews from Gramophone, The Guardian, Sunday Times and International Piano. He is the Chairman of the Liszt and Alkan Societies. An excellent scholar as well, he wrote the extensive liner notes for the booklet himself.

Thalberg: Grand Caprice sur des motifs de l’opera Charles VI de F. Halevy, Op. 48
Thalberg: Grand Caprice sur la Marche de l’Apotheose de Berlioz, Op. 58
Thalberg: Grande Fantaisie sur des motifs de l’opera La Muette de Portici de D. F. E. Auber, Op. 52
Thalberg: Grande Fantaisie sur l'opera de Meyerbeer 'Les Huguenots', Op.43
Thalberg: L’Art du chant applique au piano, Op. 70: 'Bella adorata incognita' from Mercadante's Il giuramento
Thalberg: L’Art du chant applique au piano, Op. 70: 'Casta diva' from Bellini's Norma