Julius Reubke (1834-1858) was a pupil of Franz Liszt (1811-1886) – hence the apt title of this disc, “Protégé”. This unique coupling brings together two works that are similar in many ways. Both use ‘double-function form’ – incorporating the normal sections of Sonata Allegro Form into one multi-dimensional movement. Both composers explore tonality daringly, with frequent use of sequence to travel to ever-more distant harmonies.

After winning top prize at the William Kapell International Piano Competition in Washington DC, Anthony Hewitt has established a successful career as recitalist, soloist with orchestra and chamber musician that has earned him the reputation of a pianist of formidable interpretative and technical ability.

Anthony was educated at the Yehudi Menuhin School in London, the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, and the Mannes College of Music in New York. His teachers have included Leon Fleisher, Edward Aldwell, Seta Tanyel and Alfred Brendel, who described him as 'a young pianist of remarkable talent'. He has performed in recital at the South Bank Centre, and St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London and at Carnegie Recital Hall in New York. His debut CD (Live at Wigmore Hall) was released in 1998 to critical acclaim. BBC Music Magazine described it as ‘displaying poetic and communicative musicianship’.