Mr Vogt, you were born in 1970 – why did you want to make an album for children at this point in time? I always had great fun with pieces that manage to say a lot with few notes, as opposed to those that use many notes to say very little. I often don’t feel attracted by truly virtuoso repertoire – unless it’s a stroke of genius such as Liszt’s Sonata in B Minor. The athletic aspect of piano playing holds very little appeal for me; instead, I prefer a profound message, and music that moves the soul. Viewed from that angle, it’s interesting to venture on an excursion into the territory of total technical simplification: pieces that children can also play.

Whom would you like to reach as an audience with this album?

Everyone. These are pieces for children that adults also love to play and listen to. Each of these gems contains such a rich variety of poetry, exuberance and expression! This CD is intended for all types of listeners – but one of the guiding thoughts is to provide children with a version played by someone who has cultivated a lifelong love of music in his profession. Perhaps this will inspire some children to have a go at these pieces. That is the wonderful thing these composers have made possible: from very early on, children can have access to music of the highest quality.