Gramophone Magazine
January 2026
Editor's Choice

Anna Geniushene (piano)

Chopin: Rondo in C minor Op. 1
Tchaikovsky: Two Pieces, Op. 1
Schumann: Abegg Variations, Op. 1
Berg: Piano Sonata, Op. 1
Brahms: Piano Sonata No. 1 in C major, Op. 1

Everything in the world—whether it is life, a piece of art, a scientific discovery, a revolution, or even a simple idea—has its own starting point. For composers, it is the work that marks their first step into the world. Opus 1 is an exploration of those beginnings, where ambition meets uncertainty and raw ideas take shape. In this album, pianist Anna Geniushene, whose career highlights include being a Silver Medalist at the 2022 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and being named Young Artist of the Month by Musical America, explores the early creative voices of great Romantic composers such as Chopin, Schumann, Brahms, Berg and Tchaikovsky, uncovering the ambition, curiosity, and individuality that shaped their musical identities. Was an Opus 1 a declaration of will or just a sketch of what was to come? This album delves into that question, offering a glimpse of great composers who were taking their first steps and searching for their true voice —when everything was still possible.

"What riches we already have here. Geniushene's Chopin is impeccably crisp and articulate improvisatory, yet at the same time tasteful and disciplined...This is an outstanding album that left me wanting more." - Gramophone Magazine, January 2026