This part of Dvorák’s oeuvre has been completely overshadowed by amongst others his symphonies and other orchestral works. This composer did not excel in writing for the piano. There certainly are some mediocre pieces and none of the better pieces compare to Beethoven, Chopin or Brahms. Yet the best of his piano works are inspired, well-crafted and have personality. Among them there are a few minor masterpieces whose relative neglect by publishers, concert artists, and record companies is difficult to understand. Now Brilliant Classics sets the record straight. Pianist Inna Poroshina has recorded Dvorák’s entire oeuvre for solo piano and it is well worth listening to.
The work for piano solo mainly consists of a large number of smaller pieces. The only exception is Theme with Variations in A flat Major, Opus 36. which lasts some 20 minutes. Quite a number of dances like waltzes and mazurkas are part of this varied oeuvre which has to be taken in small doses.