Sergei Bortkiewicz (1877-1952) was born in the Ukraine, spent time in Germany and became an Austrian citizen but always remained truly Russian at heart, and as such is a true successor of the Romantic tradition of Tchaikovksy. Only recently has his music found popularity in the west, which is very strange since, as a contemporary of Rachmaninov, his music has every wonderful characteristic of the popular romantic genre.

Alfonso Soldano is professor of piano performance at the Braga Conservatory in Teramo, Italy. He was a student of Ciccolini and is renowned for his virtuosity. He was awarded the International Gold Medal for ‘Best Italian Artist’ in 2013 and has won many other compositions. He is also the biographer of Bortkiewicz, and has therefore studied this music in great depth, and has produced magical performances. This album was recorded in Italy in 2016.