Carl Czerny, a student of Beethoven—whose music remained an inspiration—occupied an important place in the musical landscape of his time as both performer and pedagogue. His own students, such as Liszt, transmitted his teaching principles which were available in a large number of groundbreaking exercises and études.

Carl Czerny wrote his 30 Études de mécanisme, Op. 849 (‘30 Studies of Technique’) at a time of exceptionally high demand for teaching material. The Studies make use of a limited range of keys but are intended as an introduction for students to the ‘School of Velocity’. Perfectly placed between his simpler and more virtuosic Studies, Czerny’s Études have remained in demand to the present day.

This recording was made on a Steinway, Model C No. 248200 (1925)