Johann Nepomuk Hummel, whose music represents the transition from classicism to romanticism, was one of the most acclaimed pianists of his time. In addition to an extensive collection of his own compositions, Hummel wrote various arrangements of existing orchestral works for chamber music, such as the piano concertos of his teacher Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart or the symphonies of his friend Ludwig van Beethoven. The Romanian pianist Aurelia Visovan, first laureate of MA Competition 2019, will release her long-awaited CD Mozart - Hummel - Beethoven on September 11th. The fascinating program includes Hummel's own Piano Sonata in F minor, op. 20, his arrangements for flute, piano, violin and cello of Mozart's Piano Concerto in C and Beethoven's First Symphony in C. The CD is the result of a collaboration between Outhere Music and MA Competition.

For this first recording, Andrea Buccarella explores the history of the most emblematic form of Baroque music, from its appearance in Italy at the end of the sixteenth century right up to its apotheosis in Johann Sebastian Bach: the toccata. With its inventiveness, its formal freedom, its contrasting effects of virtuosity and emotion, the Italian toccata – whose name probably comes from the verb toccare (to touch/play) – opened the way for the stylus fantasticus that was to dominate Germany in the late seventeenth century. In order to give each period its optimal sound, Buccarella plays copies of four different harpsichords – two Italian, one Flemish and one German – which, in their dates and types of construction, illustrate the principal stages of Baroque instrument making.

The Russian violinist Evgeny Sviridov has chosen to devote his first recording to the sonatas of Giuseppe Tartini. As heir to the baroque tradition of the early eighteenth century, Tartini developed technical concepts much bolder than those of his predecessors, thus preparing the violin for the language of the classical period. His treatise served as a model for Leopold Mozart and his reputation was still very much alive in the romantic era.

Naruhiko Kawaguchi has compiled a programme devoted to Schubert, including Franz Liszt’s solo piano arrangements of some of his lieder.

Justin Taylor draws a compelling portrait of Antoine and Jean-Baptiste Forqueray. This recording was awarded a Choc de Classica, and it was Editor’s Choice in Gramophone.

Jan Van Hoecke presents a transcription for recorders and keyboard of J. S. Bach’s trio sonatas for organ. Together with Jovanka Marville, he invites us on a captivating journey, shedding new light on these gems by the Thomaskantor of Leipzig.

Bobby Mitchell’s interpretation, youthful yet based on solid musicological research, enables us to rediscover Haydn’s humour as well as the depth of his feelings. This recording also reveals an unusual musical personality and an absolutely remarkable pianist.