Saint-Saëns: Solo Piano Rarities

six never-before published gems of the piano literature by Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921). Edited for the first time ever by pianist Geoffrey Burleson from the composer's own manuscripts in the archives of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France in Paris, these virtuosic pieces are full of the vigor, intricacy, and beauty so characteristic of Saint-Saëns' musical output. From the brief and impromptu-like unnamed Bagatelles, to transcriptions of two Meyerbeer operas, one grand and one comic, and much more, these works make not only a delightful, but also a substantial addition to the advanced pianists' repertoire.

Acclaimed by the New York Times, Gramophone, International Record Review, Diapason, BBC Music Magazine, and more, pianist Geoffrey Burleson has made Saint-Saëns' knuckle-busting oeuvre a major focus of his recording career, by recording his complete piano works, 6 CDs in all, for the new Naxos Grand Piano label. Burleson's recording of the newly discovered works on the same label is the premiere recording, hailed by American Record Guide as "an absolute must for anyone interested in Saint-Saëns or romantic virtuosic piano music."