Klavierwerke (Fantasia Fis-moll / Album - Sonate As-dur / Albumblätter (C-dur / F-moll / Es-dur))

Released in 1973 under the East German label ETERNA, this recording features the Australian pianist Bruce Hungerford performing a collection of Richard Wagner's rarely heard piano compositions. While Wagner is primarily celebrated for his massive operatic works, this selection highlights his earlier efforts in the romantic piano tradition, specifically the Fantasia in F-sharp minor and the Sonata in A-flat major, providing a rare glimpse into the composer's stylistic development away from the stage.

The album reflects the efforts of the VEB Deutsche Schallplatten label to curate a comprehensive look at the German musical canon. Bruce Hungerford was highly regarded for his scholarly approach to the Germanic repertoire, and his interpretation of these works was praised for its technical clarity and restraint. By pairing Wagner's piano miniatures with Hungerford's precise touch, ETERNA created a specialized document that serves as a bridge between Wagner’s early technical training and the grand scale of his later mature dramas.