These works by composers usually thought to be very different from each other actually have much in common aside from being based on the music of Paganini. Each in its way is meant as the composers" exploration of the technique of the piano, inspired by Paganini"s violin virtuosity, to extend what was possible on their own instrument. Brahms"s Variations were also inspired by visits he had with the virtuoso pianist Karl Tausig, a Liszt pupil. Evelyne Brancart, a Belgian pianist, solves all the technical problems and manages to make poetic music. The disc may be short (47:40), but it is also a bargain. --Leslie Gerber