Norbert Burgmuller's early death in 1836 at the age of 26 was greatly lamented by his famous contemporaries Mendelssohn and Schumann, the latter comparing the tragedy of his death with that of Schubert. He was considered a major talent, and he left a substantial oeuvre of orchestral, vocal and instrumental works.

This CD features his songs, and the grand scale Piano Sonata in F minor Op.8 in the style of Weber and Hummel. His songs remind us of Schubert in their freshness and naturalness, though not without personal touches in some of the more daring modulations.

Recorded in the beautiful acoustics of the Villa Contucci in Montepulciano, by Eleonora Contucci, soprano and veteran fortepianist Costantino Mastroprimiano, playing a superb Graf piano from 1826 - in the possession of the Contucci family since it was built.

Burgmuller may not exactly be a household name, but it is easy to see from this charming release why he is a composer who deserves more recognition. Eleonora Contucci and Costantino Mastroprimiano (a seasoned Brilliant Classics artist) perform with aplomb, the latter in full command of the wonderful Graf fortepiano - one of only 60 surviving instruments by this foremost Viennese craftsman of the 19th century.