Franz Schubert: Fantasy in C Major, Op. 15, D. 760, "Wanderer-Fantasie"
Felix Mendelssohn: Fantasia in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 28, MWV U92, "Sonate Écossaise"
Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonata 'quasi una fantasia' No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2, "Moonlight"
Ludwig van Beethoven: Fantasia for Piano in D Major, Unv 12, 1793 - from the Kafka sketchbook

I generally prefer listening to recordings which focus on a single composer because miscellany collections, especially ones that bring together disparate composers of differing styles and/or different eras, tend to break my attention span. But when a logical, overseeing concept is introduced, in this case nature, and ties everything together seamlessly, it actually reinforces your perception of the music. You lose sight of the theoretical mechanics within the music, and gain deeper insights into the composer's extramusical inspiration and intent behind the work's creation.

And that's precisely what pianist Maximilian Schairer prompts within his interpretations on this, his solo debut recording. His clearly defined and yet highly fluid and expressive readings well convey the impulsive and impetuous catalyst that spawned the initial spark behind these pieces. His playing here is totally free of self-indulgent mannerisms and gestures so prevalent within today's pianistic generation. His focus is on the composer's mindset and spirit, which is the only way music should be played.

So here you have it ... three masterworks and staples of the concert stage played in a genuine and sincere fashion, plus the inclusion of a rarely heard early Beethoven piece, all unified in a cohesive package.