Faust Waltz (Gounod-Liszt), Liebestraume, Dance Of The Gnomes / Ballade #1 In G Minor, Scherzo In C Sharp Minor

Released in 1951 by the budget-friendly Remington Records, this disc captures the formidable technique of pianist Simon Barere. Barere was a legendary virtuoso known for his blistering velocity and immense power, though he remained somewhat overlooked by major commercial labels during his prime. The recording serves as a vital document of his late-career prowess, presenting a selection of Romantic staples including the Liszt-Gounod Faust Waltz and Chopin's Ballade No. 1.

The production philosophy at Remington, founded by Donald Gabor, centered on making high-quality classical performances accessible to a broader audience at a lower price point. While the label’s technical standards were occasionally variable, the Barere sessions are frequently cited by connoisseurs for their raw, unfiltered capture of his kinetic keyboard style. The design of the release reflects the minimalist aesthetic of the early microgroove era, prioritizing the repertoire and the performer's name as the primary draws for the listener.