Alexandra Papastefanou’s third album for FHR focuses on the works of Robert Schumann written in 1839. 1839 was Schumann’s most productive year of writing for solo piano, and the last year he wrote a major work for piano solo.

The following year, Schumann wrote no works for solo piano, focusing a new energy in writing songs. 1840 is famously known as his ‘Year of Song’ (Liederjahr), hence our coined title ‘Year of Piano’ with all the works on this album, apart from 3 Stücklein, written in 1839.

Papastefanou, Greece’s leading pianist, is now regarded worldwide as a leading exponent of Bach on the piano. Her previous recording for FHR (The Well-Tempered Clavier, 2018, FHR65), did incredibly well with the music press and critics (MusicWeb International Recording of the Month; The Union of Greek Theatre and Music Critics Award: Best Recording of 2018; 5 stars from BBC Music Magazine).

Critical acclaim for FHR070 Bach French Suites: “a performance of considerable virtuosity and imagination” - The Arts Desk