The years 1839-40 mark the high point in Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel’s (1805-47) compositional career. + Together with her husband and son, she traveled throughout Italy where she met many prominent musicians and artists and gained insights into Italian architectural and cultural heritage. + The piano cycle Das Jahr is a musical evocation of that time spent in Italy. + Pianist Joanna Strzelecka-Orłowska (1977) has performed in many prestigious venues in Poland, Germany, Italy, France, Holland and the U.S.