Danza De La Muerte / Andante Spianato Y Gran Polonesa, Op. 22 / Cracoviana, Rondo', Op.14 / Variaciones Sobre "La Ci Darem La Mano" Op.2

Released in 1955 under the Opus Vox label, this recording brings together key works by Franz Liszt and Frédéric Chopin, featuring pianist Orazio Frugoni accompanied by the Vienna Pro Musica Orchestra under the baton of Hans Swarowsky. The mid-1950s was a prolific era for the Vox label, which distinguished itself by focusing on high-quality repertoire for the growing classical record market, often utilizing European orchestras and soloists to bring both standard concertos and lesser-known works to a burgeoning audience of audiophiles and music lovers.

The album showcases the technical virtuosity required for Chopin’s early concert works and Liszt’s thematic variations. Orazio Frugoni, a Swiss-Italian pianist known for his refined technique and romantic sensibility, was a staple of the Vox catalog during this period. The production aimed to provide a comprehensive look at the evolution of the piano concerto form through these specific compositions, reflecting the post-war trend of archiving grand-scale classical performances on long-playing vinyl records to suit the domestic listening environments of the time.