At only 19 years old the talented Thomas Tellefsen left his hometown in remote Norway for Paris. He had no money, did not know the language or the culture, he knew only that he wanted to study with the best pianists of his day. His passion and abilities opened the doors to the best of them all - Chopin.

Tellefsen was introduced to Chopin through Georges Sand, who was totally taken by the young Norwegian's passion for the arts. The relationship developed into a friendship and Tellefsen was moved and honored by his friend and teacher's last wish in 1849: Chopin wanted Tellefsen to complete his piano tutorial series.

Einar Steen-Nokleberg has recorded the complete piano music of Grieg, Saeverud and Kjerulf in awarded reference recordings. He now adds T.D.A. Tellefsen to this impressive list, and the result is overwhelming. Nokleberg's recordings of Tellefsen's piano concertos and chamber works in recent years have created much interest around this lesser-known composer.