The Clara Haskil Competition was founded in 1963 and quickly established itself as one of the most prestigious piano competitions in Europe. The competition is held every two years in Vevey, Switzerland, where Clara Haskil lived from 1942 until her death in 1960. The jury, which has been presided by Michel Dalberto since 1991, awards only one prize which cannot be shared. Previous winners include Christoph Eschenbach, Eugeni Korolyov and Till Fellner.

Prize winner of the 19th competition in 2001 was pianist Martin Helmchen, a nineteen year old German from Berlin. His brilliant prize-winning performance of Beethoven’s 2nd piano concerto at the final concert is captured here in a live recording; he is accompanied by the Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana under the direction of renown conductor Lawrence Foster. Also featured on this recording is his live performance of Mozart’s G-minor piano quartet with members of the Quatuor Sine Nomine from the competition semi-finals.

Beethoven’s Piano Concerto in Be-flat Major, although known as his second concerto, is in fact the first in order of composition. Mozart’s spirit is present particularly in the first and second movements. The last movement, a rondo that opens with the soloist, is filled with mischievous good humor, particularly in the piano. Mozart’s piano quartet in G minor is a truly «great work, worthy to stand next to the later symphony and string quintet in the same key».