This original concept CD presents one of the most popular opera arias in early-19th century Vienna, 'Nel cor piu non mi sento', from Paisiello’s opera 'L’amor contrastato', as the basis of a variety of works by a variety of composers: Bortolazzi, Hummel, Giuliani, Vanhal and Beethoven. The aria, in its powerful simplicity, lends itself very well for the variation form and it was gratefully used as a means of instrumental display of brilliance and invention.
 
The basic instrumental ensemble used on this recording is mandolin, guitar and fortepiano - fashionable instruments at that time. The musicians play on historic instruments: Alon Sariel plays a 1850 mandolin, Izhar Elias plays a 1812 Guadagnini guitar and the Böhm 1820 fortepiano is played by Michael Tsalka.