I was completely unaware of the Swiss composer Johann Carl Eschmann but must also confess that I was bowled over by his piano music. The music is influenced by Schumann, Brahms and also Wagner but Eschmann has his own distinctive style and this is well portrayed by the capable Jeremy Filsell.
The Caprice-Etude, Op. 36 is wonderfully ebullient whilst the excerpt from 'Poesie-Blumen' is also very beautiful. Filsell's strength is definitely in the miniature and this is demonstrated in the 'Frühlingsblüthen' pieces. I also enjoyed the two collections of Lyric pieces that serve as relaxing yet never tiring exercise in pianistic imagery.
Robert Matthew Walker provides some exemplary notes that shed some light on this otherwise unknown composer that surely deserves a better press. Guild's recording does justice to Jeremy Filsell's playing that is always of a very high standard and calibre. Lovers of obscure piano music should definitely investigate this well filled disc.
Copyright © 2005, Gerald Fenech