On this new release from Bella Musica, German pianist Manfred Reuthe presents a selection of some of the most famous piano pieces of romantic and impressionist composers. He begins with Frederic Chopin’s op. 45 in C sharp minor. Although composed a few years later than the preludes of Chopin’s famous op. 28, op. 45 is of equal quality and even seems to be a harbinger of the piano style of Johannes Brahms. This prelude is followed by Chopin’s fourth ballade in f-minor, the crowning achievement among Chopin’s ballades which number among his most popular and ambitious pieces. Debussy’s Clair de Lune is one of the most learned pieces in the piano repertoire. The supple piece with its gently swerving melody is by no means as easy to play as it sounds. It is the third number in a charming suite of four little pieces titled Suite Bergamusque, which Reuthe plays here in its entirety. Professor Manfred Reuthe is the doyen of German pianists, a Berliner of impeccable pianistic pedigree who has given concerts and recitals all over the world. He has also taught a great deal. His fresh and vigorous playing on this release belies the fact that he has been a piano professor for four decades.