Master pianist Denis Kozhukhin in a lively and sensitive rendition of Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a theme by Paganini. Combined with Mendelssohn's sunny "Italian" symphony, this promises an energetic Sunday morning.

"With subtle variations in tempo and temperament and with understated power, Denis Kozhukhin gave a lively and sensitive rendition of Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a theme by Paganini," wrote online platform Bachtrack full of praise. Kozhukin is not the least of these: he was winner of the Queen Elisabeth Competition and played three times in the Master Pianist series. The Paganini rhapsody is so virtuosic that one would almost think Rachmaninov wanted to cram the notes for a complete piano concerto into this compact one-movement work. The piece is so difficult that Rachmaninov - one of the best pianists ever - himself became nervous when he had to play it.

Mendelssohn's Fourth Symphony, nicknamed "the Italian," grabs the listener from the very first notes and does not let go. The rhythmic thrust combined with the melodic splendor is irresistible. Mendelssohn composed the piece after a trip through Italy, where he said he had felt the greatest joy of his life. The sun, nature, the art treasures: everything overwhelmed the composer. He came home with an enormous dose of energy, which he immediately converted into a symphony.