To many, Szymanowski is the most important composer to come from Poland. He took the Romantic tradition of Chopin and transformed it into a style which retained Romantic ideals but placed it firmly within the 20th century, approaching modernism with vitality and virtuosity.

This selection of works from the beginning, middle and end of his output is performed superbly by Polish pianist Barbara Karaśkiewicz, whose nationality can only enhance her deep understanding of this music. Included are the nine preludes, Op.1 and the four etudes, Op.4, rooted in the Romantic tradition; Masques from the middle period, picturesque music-portraits; and the two late Mazurkas Op.62. This album follows the critically acclaimed disc of works by another Polish post-Romantic, the lesser known but equally skilled Roman Statkowski.