Edward Jablonski - 2002

Mark Birnbaum's Dreamland: Piano Gems Circa 1903

Consider this unique compilation of works by a remarkable group of composers, one French, another Russian, an Englishman and an American. All were creatively active around the same time, the early twentieth century. All composed in the larger forms - symphonies, concertos, and operas. They are celebrated for their piano miniatures; miniatures but in no way small. In this genre they share, besides the time, a common trait: they were all masters.

Composer-pianist Mark Birnbaum has no problem with crossovers. With a doctorate in music from Columbia University, he graduated into