Norbert Burgmüller may have died at thetender age of 26, but during his short life heauthored a significant number of works thathave earned him a place among theforemost composers of the early 1800s.Among his admirers were Schumann andMendelssohn, the former commenting onhow, ‘following Franz Schubert’s deathpremature death, nothing could be morepainful than Burgmüller’s.Indeed, Burgmüller compares most clearly toSchubert in the lieder repertory, with eachcomposer opting for similar subject matterand poetic diom. Generally more containedand abstract in atmosphere than those of hiscontemporary’s, the former’s songs revealstyles that are typical of Schubert’scompositions (especially Opp. 3, 6 and 10)but which anticipate the Austrian’s laterlieder through their daring modulations andclose alliance between words and music.Culminating in the Frühlingslied – a gem of apiece with a serene, spring?like atmosphere– these songs give way to the final work onthe disc, the Piano Sonata in F minor Op.8,whose first movement touches on Spohr’sstyle and whose Finale is a model of virtuosoélan.Burgmüller may not exactly be a householdname, but it is easy to see from thischarming release why he is a composer whodeserves more recognition. EleonoraContucci and Costantino Mastroprimiano (aseasoned Brilliant Classics artist) performwith aplomb, the latter in full command ofthe wonderful Graf fortepiano – one of only60 surviving instruments by this foremostViennese craftsman of the 19th century.

Eleonora Contucci soprano

Costantino Mastroprimiano fortepiano