Otto Nicolai - Complete Works for Piano (Christof Keymer)

Information

Composer: Otto Nicolai

CD1

1. 3 Études, Op. 40: No. 1, Duo de l'opéra. Le retour du proscrit, transcrit pour piano en forme d'etude. Andante
2. 3 Études, Op. 40: No. 2, Romance. Andante
3. 3 Études, Op. 40: No. 3, Andantino grazioso
4. Rondo capriccioso in F Major, Op. Posth.
5. Mondwalzer
6. Il templario: Cavatina. Ah quel guardo (Version for Piano)
7. Albumblatt in F Major
8. Gran marcia funebre
9. Alfred Jaëll - Caprice on Themes from "Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor", Op. 137 (after Otto Nicolai)

CD2

1. Fantaisie et variations brillantes sur des motifs de l'opéra "La Norma", Op. 25
2. Piano Sonata in D Minor, Op. 27: I. Allegro mosso ed affettuoso
3. Piano Sonata in D Minor, Op. 27: II. Scherzo. Presto
4. Piano Sonata in D Minor, Op. 27: III. Adagio con molta serietà
5. Piano Sonata in D Minor, Op. 27: IV. Allegro molto
6. Piano Sonata in E-Flat Major: I. Allegro
7. Piano Sonata in E-Flat Major: II. Rondo
8. Capriccioso in D Major
9. Bühnenmusik für Klavier
10. Le vispe comari di Windsor: Melodia (arr. Alessandro Longo)

Christof Keymer, piano

Date: 2026

Label: CPO

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A glance at the catalog of composer Otto Nicolai reveals that despite a prolific, 39-year lifespan, he rarely composed for the piano, an instrument he mastered. His entire piano output, contrasting with his six operas, two symphonies, and extensive vocal works, comfortably fits onto a double album. This collection functions as a delightful musical treasury, featuring two serious sonatas alongside lighter, theatrical pieces. Representing his dual roles as founder of the Vienna Philharmonic and composer of The Merry Wives of Windsor, the tracks include a fantasia on Casta Diva and the playful Moon Waltz, a piece rivaling the waltzes of Strauss.

German composer and conductor Otto Nicolai (1810–1849) was a child prodigy who overcame a difficult childhood to become a founding figure of the Vienna Philharmonic. Initially finding success in Germany, he moved to Rome as a diplomat's musician and became a highly celebrated opera composer in Italy, temporarily eclipsing Giuseppe Verdi in popularity. He later became a central figure in Viennese concert life before returning to Berlin. Nicolai is best remembered for his final German opera, The Merry Wives of Windsor. Tragically, he died of a stroke at age 39, just two months after its premiere.

Pianist Christof Keymer completed his concert exam at the Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media under the tutelage of Bernhard Ebert and Bernd Goetzke. He has performed at prestigious events, including the Berlin and Bayreuth festivals, and has recorded extensively for various German radio stations. Keymer’s discography includes chamber music projects with the Aura Ensemble and horn player Felix Klieser, alongside notable solo double albums featuring the complete piano transcriptions of Moritz Moszkowski, the complete piano works of Hermann Goetz, and pieces by Max Bruch. He also contributed to music scholarship as the editor of Goetz’s previously unpublished piano works.