Martin Cousin - Anton Rubinstein: Piano Works - Six Preludes and Fugues in Free Style, Op. 53; Three Pieces, Op. 71; Concert Etude in C major 'On False Notes'

Anton Rubinstein's remarkable virtuoso career during the 19th century coincided almost exactly with the final developments of the modern piano. The increasing popularity of the instrument combined with Rubinstein's formidable execution earned him enormous popularity as a performer. The Six Preludes and Fugues in Free Style are major works, each piece dedicated and alluding to famous composers and performers of the day. The charming Three Pieces are small-scale character works, while the Concert Etude in C major is a witty display piece in which 'wrong notes' are instantly corrected, like an errant pupil attempting to disguise mistakes.