Karol Szymanovski is one of the most important Polish composers right after Frédéric Chopin. His oeuvre is stylistically diverse and initially inspired by Chopin and Scriabin. Subsequent influences include Richard Strauss and Igor Stravinsky before he develops his own style combining impressionist and some modern elements. His »Mythes« are from a transitional period: They are miniature works full of sophisticated sounds and impressionist magic, orchestrated for violin and orchestra by Mino Marani.

Maurice Ravel has Basque roots on his mother’s side and his compositions show musical influences from Spain: »Alborada del gracioso« is a genre scene as intriguing technically as it is musically. Created in 1924, »Tzigane« is a piece of fascinating virtuosity, played for you by renowned violinist Franziska Hölscher from Heidelberg.

»They are my last spark«, Sergei Rachmaninoff said about his »Symphonic Dances«. Composed on Long Island in 1941, they became his farewell piece.