In the mid- to late 19th century, piano transcriptions allowed access to the classics for the majority of people who could not attend opera or orchestral performances. Franz Liszt was of course one such ‘grand opera’ specialist, alongside composers such as Sigismund Thalberg. Andrew Wright is a rarity, in that he is both an expert interpreter and also arranger of operatic themes, and as well as an astonishing virtuoso, enabling the drama of the scene to be preserved.

Following the critical praise given to the original ‘Operatic Pianist’ album (DDA25113), this set includes transcriptions and fantasies by Wright, Thalberg, Liszt, Kullak, Leschetitzky and Jaëll and amazingly a fine work by Saint-Saëns receiving its world premiere recording.

Intense, dramatic and full of action this will appeal to both opera lovers and piano afficionados.