Hyperion’s Record of the Month for March takes us to Scotland in pursuit of two Scottish-born piano virtuosi whose compositions have languished beneath the highland mists for too long. Born prematurely as a result of a steamboat collision on the Clyde, Frederic Lamond lived a short walk from Eugen d’Albert in Glasgow. The two became Liszt pupils and their musical abilities were admired by Richard Strauss, Hans von Bülow and Johannes Brahms. Lamond’s Symphony in A major, his only symphony, was begun in 1885 – the composer was just twenty-one – and published in 1893. In four movements, a sense of generous assurance flows through this work which sits comfortably between Beethoven, looking backward, and Mahler in the future. Perhaps one should think of Brahms, yet Lamond adds a refreshing breath of Scottish air into an otherwise-Germanic climate. The Overture from the Scottish Highlands tells the story of one Quentin Durward, a stalwart of Louis XI’s Scottish bodyguard. His Burgundian adventures betray a sense of homesickness; Scottish themes and droned bass lines prevail. Sword Dance, taken from Lamond’s opera A life in the Scottish Highlands, presents a scene of bucolic exuberance, fancy footwork and Scotch-snap rhythms combining in a work of irresistible panache. The disc opens with Eugen d’Albert’s Overture to Esther. The Biblical Esther had little time for honour, or even religion come to that, and d’Albert’s overture similarly throw caution to the wind, before eventually she, and he, are won back to the arms of King Ahasuerus. "This CD is bursting with beautiful music and sung with a style and grace not often seen in todays' generation." A Brief Word From Lydia Gray: Thank you to all who have been so supportive during this project, especially Ed who is a true artist and amazing collaborator and to his family who made me feel a part of them! A special thanks to all the musicians who worked so hard to bring this CD together. Blessings and thanks to Carolyn Bardos, who got us together and wouldn't let us stop! A thousand thanks to Scott and Suzanne- you both are the best! A very special thank you to all who helped with the technical parts of the CD, especially David Grossberg, Jim Baldassare, Bruno Rinaldi and Rodolpho Franconi, Juliana Lafemina Steagall and Tony Monte - I could not have done this without each of you. Finally for my family, words cannot express the joy and love you bring to my life. Mom, Dad, Dick, Kathy and 'the Brood', Elisabeth, Carlos & my Spanish family, and for my angels Stephen, Katie and Nicholas: thank you all for believing and loving me! - Lydia