Eleanor Meynell - Bach, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Gade, Grieg: Piano Music from Leipzig

Situated on the intersection between two major medieval trade routes, Leipzig became one of the most important cultural cities in Europe, famous for its music and publishing houses. Many great composers flourished writing for its churches, publishers and musical amateurs, and this piano recital illustrates what a rich diversity of music was born here. J. S. Bach was probably Leipzig's most famous resident, and his association with Leipzig is shown in his daring Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue in D minor. Felix Mendelssohn not organised funding for a new conservatoire, but also spearheaded the movement that rediscovered the works of J. S. Bach. Edvarg Grieg's formal musical training was at the Leipzig Conservatoire; and Neils Gade was invited by Mendelssohn to be his assistant conductor, as well as teaching at the Leipzig Conservatoire. Johannes Brahms was introduced to Leipzig by a friend or Robert Schumann, and Brahms gave piano recitals in the city. This recital uses a Feurich piano which dates from 1909, which was manufactured in Leipzig.