Chopin (1810-1849) composed the first two and the fourth pieces for piano and orchestra on this disc between 1827 and 1830, when he was trying to conquer the great stages of Europe as a traveling virtuoso. The Variations were composed while he was a student in Warsaw. When he composed these works (and his two piano concertos), the virtuoso, not the orchestra, was intended to be the center of attention. Still, this disc’s conductor notes that, “Every individual voice in the orchestra is exposed.” The works all exhibit Chopin’s singing melodic lines, catchy melodies, gorgeous harmonies and what Schumann noted when exclaiming after hearing the Variations – “Hat’s off, gentlemen – a genius!” - emotional depth, grace, ardour, nobility and at times, fierce energy. All are sure to please listeners. Chopin composed the Nocturne for his older sister. It has a sad, haunting melody, and the musical instruction translates as “slow with great expression.”