German poet Heinrich Heine described Stephen Heller (1813–1888) as «a Romantic spirit in classical garb». Although a contemporary of Liszt and Wagner, Heller’s music remained more closely bound to the works of Mendelssohn, Schumann and Chopin. The essence and style of his music were defined primarily between the years 1830 and 1848; even his later works were oriented for the most part around this period, including those on this recording: Promenades d’un solitaire, Op. 78, Rêveries du promeneur solitaire, Op. 101, Dans les bois, Op. 136, Dans les bois, Op. 128.

Heller was supported and championed by some of the greatest musicians of the time: Schumann gave him musical and literary advice, introduced Heller to his publisher and critiqued his first compositions. Berlioz was one of his closest friends and staunchest supporters. And the otherwise reserved Fétis frequently took up his cause in laudatory articles that portrayed Heller as a «modern poet of the piano».

Born into a well-known family of musicians in Neuchâtel, pianist Marc Pantillon was raised in an environment filled with music, but it was only after studies with and encouragement from Paul Badura-Skoda that he embarked on a career as a soloist. His interpretations of Heller’s piano works are marked by poetic insight and remarkable technique.

Marc Pantillon received the prize as Soloist for the Swiss Musicians’ Association in 1987. He is much sought as a recitalist, soloist with orchestra and as a chamber musician.