Leopoldo Américo Miguéz trained as a violinist, but became a significant figure in his home country of Brazil as director of the National Institute of Music. His musical influences can be traced to his time in Europe, where the music of Wagner and Liszt made a deep impression. Miguéz’s piano pieces were aimed at Brazil’s society elite, but the Chopin-like technical demands of works such as the Allegro appassionato reflect the brilliance of his pianist colleague Arthur Napoleão. Well-known works such as the Nocturne, Op 10 can be found here alongside the nostalgic Lamento, light-hearted Faceira (Valse-Impromptu) and burlesque Scherzetto.