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David Pia aspires to take his listeners to a place “where time stands still or at least the feeling of time is transformed – to an inner world where all feel a sense of closeness to themselves, and where I most like to be myself.” Critics describe his playing as inspired, profoundly concentrated, exceptionally sensitive and graceful, and informed by well-shaped, singing phrasing, while displaying an exciting spontaneity. David Pia has known ever since his childhood what constitutes a great musical tradition, as his grandfather was the legendary conductor, organist and director of the Munich Bach Choir, Karl Richter. This is why, when selecting pieces for his first album as cello soloist with orchestra, he has not fallen back on the popular concertos by Haydn, Schumann, Saint-Saëns, Dvorák, Prokofieff or Shostakovich, but instead chosen masterpieces from the autumnal years of the fading Romantic era that were once highly regarded and have now been rediscovered. The result is thus neither another mainstream product, nor a contribution to the cabinet of curiosities. D'Albert's highly virtuosic concerto of 1899 stands out for its instrumental elegance, enchanting melodies and subtle harmony. Dohnányi's Concert Piece of 1904, on the other hand, captivates the listener with its poignant passion, climaxes and contrasts, and a tendency towards symphonic monumentality. Bruch's Canzone envelops the listener in the innocent beauty and warmth that are so typical of the composer. Kol Nidrei, a elegiac piece based on Hebrew melodies, is among Bruch's most famous works.