‘Piano Icons for the 21st Century’ is an exceptionally performed collection of contemporary piano works by Part, Janacek, Sculthorpe and Mompou, plus the world premiere recording of John Tavener's Ypakoë.

Originally released in 2000, ‘Piano Icons for the 21st Century’ has been re-issued as part of Linn’s Echo series which offers a second chance to enjoy the best of the label’s award-winning catalogue.

‘Piano Icons for the 21st Century’ was widely acclaimed upon its release and named a Gramophone ‘Critics’ Choice’: "my disc of 2000 is without hesitation Elena Riu's extraordinarily fine CD".

John Tavener was inspired to write his first major solo work for piano in over twenty years after hearing Elena Riu play. She premiered Ypakoë, a series of meditations on the death of Jesus, at the City of London Festival.

Riu complements Ypakoë with Janacek's In The Mist, an intensely personal and darkly hued cycle, plus an intriguing collection of miniatures by three composers who, in her view, are on a similar wavelength: Peter Sculthorpe, the late Catalan composer Federico Mompou, and Arvo Pärt.

Pianist Elena Riu is renowned for the intimacy and lyricism of her playing. An innate liveliness together with a vibrant combination of poetry and a flair for unique programming has placed her at the forefront of a new generation of British artists.

Elena has commissioned, edited, published, performed and recorded over 40 new works, giving countless world premieres. She has toured extensively and has performed in all major concert halls in the UK and abroad, including Wigmore Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and City of London Festival.

"Elena Riu, with her mixture of radicalism and unworldliness is the perfect interpreter of John Tavener." - The Independent

"Riu’s performances throughout are of the highest order...fascinating and rewarding." - Gramophone

"... a remarkably enterprising and imaginative young pianist...the Mompou receives a superb performance, relishing every delicate change of colour and texture ..." - International Piano