The "For Relaxation" series from RCA Victor offers music that, as the title suggests, creates an atmosphere of calm and serenity. Each disc in the series is dedicated to a single composer or instrument and features well known music of a tranquil, gentle nature. However, in addition to the familiar works, there are many pleasant surprises and unexpected selections all brilliantly performed by masters such as James Galway, Julian Bream, Pinchas Zukerman, and Gerhard Oppitz. Each album in the series is expertly programmed to set the appropriate mood of quiet reflection and, with the combination of superb music and exceptional performances, offers a truly pleasurable listening experience.
PIANO FOR RELAXATION offers works for solo piano from a variety of composers, all eloquently interpreted by Gerhard Oppitz. Edvard Grieg, with five selections including the dreamlike Notturno, is the most prominently featured composer on this compilation. Oppitz gives a graceful account of the Intermezzo in A by Johannes Brahms, also well represented with three additional pieces. The collection is rounded out by Oppitz's sensitive readings of works by Schumann, Liszt, Chopin, and others, including a haunting rendition of Ravel's 'Pavane pour une infante défunte.'