The commissioned works do not attempt to imitate Schnabel. They honor him through different paths. Some draw inspiration from Schnabel's own compositions; others respond to Schnabel the pianist - his recordings, repertoire, and sound. The result is not a single kind of tribute, but a collection of personal responses, each shaped by a different encounter with Schnabel's life and work.The following composer notes offer personal introductions to each of the commissioned works. In their own words, the composers describe the ideas and influences that shaped their pieces, allowing each work to be heard not only as a tribute to Schnabel, but as a living response to the piano tradition he helped define. - Jenny Lin