I bought this CD on the strength of a recording of Erich Zeisl's fine Cello Sonata, but I was not expecting the pure delight that I found. The Piano Concerto (1952) is a big work, but it has that lyrical intimacy that some other large concertos have (Brahms Piano Concerto No 2 for example). The whole work is full of memorable themes and gives pleasure from start to finish. The magnificent first movement curiously pre-figures the first movement of Lou Harrison's beautiful Piano Concerto. The main theme of the slow movement is gorgeous and unforgettable. In the last movement there are moments when Rachmaninov is not too far away, but it is Zeisl's own distinctive voice that makes the concerto so special. The earlier ballet suite from Pierrot in der Flasche (1929) is colourful, memorable, witty and great fun. I keep playing this CD: it is irresistible. I also want to hear much more by Zeisl.
