German composer Johanna Senfter was a student of Max Reger, who recognised her musical talent and encouraged her to pursue advanced studies in his composition class in Leipzig; this she completed with distinction in 1909. In 1910, she was awarded the Arthur Nikisch Prize for the best student composition of the year. Born into a well-to-do industrial family, she was financially independent and able to devote herself entirely to her creative work throughout her life. In addition to numerous chamber works, she left behind nine symphonies. From the youthful ‘Sturm und Drang’ of her First Symphony (1914) to the thoughtfully moving Ninth (1949), composed after two world wars, the development of her musical language can be discovered here with these world premiere recordings.

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Selim Palmgren was one of the most celebrated pianist-composers in the years before the end of the First World War. His vast catalogue of piano music, much of it unknown, is featured in this acclaimed series performed by Jouni Somero, the Finnish composer’s greatest modern exponent. The programme features the virtuosic Fantasie, Op. 6, one of Palmgren’s most compelling works, as well as examples of music irradiated by Impressionism and Nordic folklore. Also included are a number of miniatures, including études, waltzes and pieces that explore wry Chopinesque charm.