Prokofiev: Three Pieces Op. 96: Mephisto-Walzer aus 'Lermontov'

Composers have always relied on piano transcriptions as a means of bringing selected extracts from large-scale dramatic works to the attention of a wider audience than would otherwise be possible, and Prokofiev was no exception. Although he craved success as a composer of the stage and published a total of seventeen operas and ballets, he almost invariably encountered difficulties in his attempts to get these works performed. Never one to let good music go to waste, Prokofiev diligently composed piano arrangements of excerpts from a number of his stage works, thereby encouraging his public to become familiar with the highlights until such time as an opportunity might arise to see the work in its entirety.

Susanne Lang’s debut album includes musical miniatures from romantic, late romantic and 20th century composers. It ranges from two of Franz Schubert’s six Moments musicaux to Smetana, Liszt and de Falla and then to Prokofiev and Shchedrin. Many of these works are popular encores. Susanne Lang is an international performer and is on the jury for a number of piano competitions.