This recording provides the listener with a chronological overview of Julius R�ntgen�s creative output, from his earliest published composition, written in 1864�when he was just nine years old�to pieces written as a mature composer five decades later. The latter reveals a composer of outstanding skill, diverse influences, and a master of musical forms and compositional techniques. It has been said that �One would look in vain for anything truly original or shocking in R�ntgen�s output�.� However, there are works included on this recording that dispel that assumption. This pianist would argue that three works stand out, which are truly unique and powerfully original. The first is a short Toccata, which is something of a mystery work, having never been published and lacking a date of composition. The others are the Sonata in C Minor from 1877 and the Passacaglia and Fugue of 1911. It is the latter that most decidedly distinguishes R�ntgen as having a truly original voice. Julius R�ntgen composed over 600 works and is especially known for his concertos, symphonies, and chamber music. His piano music has remained unjustifiably neglected since he died in 1932.