Stefan Veselka, piano


Although best known as a composer of symphonic poems, operas and songs, Richard Strauss was also a proficient pianist from an early age.

Composed during his final years at school, and at university, the piano works included on this recording are written mainly in a conservative harmonic style, reflecting the obvious influences of Mendelssohn, Brahms and Schumann.

That Strauss was to become a significant composer of Lieder with piano accompaniment can be heard in the lush harmonies of Traumerei (Rêverie) in Moods and Fancies.