Piano Songs - "You must sing with your fingers", so Chopin supposedly said to a piano pupil of his. Since the development of the piano during the 19th century, pianists and composers have always sought to make the piano sing. Of course, this is impossible. For a start, there are no words, and the pianist doesn't have to worrying about where to breathe. This could be seen as an advantage, but if the music does not 'speak' or 'breathe', then it cannot live. Many performers have found the answers by accompanying singers, or by arranging vocal music for the piano alone. This album presents a wide variety of song-style piano works from the 1830's to the present day. Of the many songs from opera, there are few more famous than those of Carmen. This Fantasy is a depiction of her character: alluring, sensual, insecure and ultimately dangerous, bringing about her own bitter end. Schubert was one of the most prolific of all songwriters, composing 600 ...