On ‘Chants nostalgiques’, pianist Luiza Borac comes up trumps with an ingenious combination of song transcriptions including several premieres: Liszt arrangements of classic Schubert lieder, Rachmaninov’s takes on Kreisler, Luiza’s own transcription of Tárrega’s timeless Requerdos de la Alhambra, the first recording of the title track by Constantin Silvestri, and a revelatory first release of historical recordings by legendary Romanian tenor Ion Buzea, supplemented with Luiza’s present-day piano.

Luiza Borac has captured international accolades for her committed performances of the music of fellow Romanians George Enescu and Dinu Lipatti, as well as the prowess of her research and programming. On ‘Chants nostalgiques’ the title track is a first recording of a group of three songs composed by the legendary Romanian conductor Constantin Silvestri.

There are Liszt arrangements of some of Schubert’s most classic lieder - including Gretchen am Spinnrade, Erlkönig and Ave Maria - Rachmaninov’s take on Kreisler’s famous Liebesleid and Liebesfreud, and Luiza’s own transcription of Tárrega’s timeless guitar solo Requerdos de la Alhambra, the first ever version recorded with piano. An enticing bonus is the inclusion of previously unreleased historical recordings by the great Romanian tenor Ion Buzea, supplemented with Luiza’s modern piano thanks to present-day technology.

Critical acclaim for Luiza Borac:

“Borac's overall mastery is impressive...a pianist of enviable professionalism.” - Gramophone

“A fabulously gifted young pianist.” - BBC Music Magazine

“There is an appealing youthful fire here, tempered with poetic flair.” - International Record Review