Search - Gioachino Rossini, Stefan Irmer :: Gioacchino Rossini Piano Works, Vol.1

Relatively obscure Rossini piano pieces surprisingly good

07/11/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Until a few weeks ago, I did not know these piano works existed. After hearing "My Hygenic Morning Ritual" on the radio, I had to have this CD. Rossini seems to have taken his music to a new level in his older years. This compilation is more reminiscent of Listz, Chopin, or Beethoven. It contains many more romantic elements than his frequently heard operas, which tended toward the classical. After listening to this, I believe his operas were written more for commercial success; these were written as art. One can even imagine they influenced Rachmaninov! It is well worth the price."