Eugen d’Albert was a titan of the keyboard and one of the greatest virtuosi of his age. A pupil of Liszt, who dubbed the young man ‘Albertus Magnus’, d’Albert was also devoted to composition. He wrote nineteen operas which reveal the breadth of his interest in wide-ranging subject matter, as well as the narrative excitement he could generate. This selection includes the overture to his first opera, Der Rubin, as well as the rare Das Seejungfräulein which reveals a Wagnerian influence. Each of the works exudes theatrical self-confidence, skilful orchestration and strong, exciting themes.