Carl Maria von Weber gave the first performance of his Opus 11 Concerto in C Major on 19 November 1810 in Mannheim. This work provides a connection between Mozart and Beethoven and those who followed as Classical eventually gave way to Romantic. There are considerable technical demands made on any pianist who attempt to play Weber's piano works. This was because Weber's hands had a particularly wider stretch than most. The soloist on this recording is Benjamin Frith, who seems to be up to the challenge. Weber's Piano Concerto No. 2 in E flat was completed in 1812, with the first performance given by the composer on 17 December.
CARL MARIA VON WEBER
(1786-1826) Piano Concerto No.1 in C major, Op.11
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Presto Piano Concerto No.2 in E flat major, Op.32
I. Allegro moderato
II. Adagio
III. Rondo: Presto Polacca Brillante (L'hilarite), Op.72 (orch. Liszt)
Konzerstück in F minor, Op.79