Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) lived a lonely and troubled existence that ended in madness and suicide, yet his paintings vibrate with energy and colour. His works are probably more often reproduced and more universally familiar than those of any other artist. On this CD, the world of van Gogh is given a musical perspective with a carefully chosen selection of pieces by the finest composers of his time. Inside, Hugh Griffith provides explanatory notes on his life and musical environment.

The Naxos Art and Music series presents the composers active during the lives of the leading painters and sculptors, setting a musical context to their work.