Grieg: Piano Concerto - Sonata Op. 7, Lyric Pieces Opp. 43, 54 & 65
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Lief Ove Andsnes gives a solid performance of the Concerto, well backed by Dimitri Kitayenko and the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra. There is nothing bland about either's approach. Andsnes attacks the piece with an agreeable fervor which is ultimately involving.
The Piano Sonata in E minor, Op. 7 is an excellent work, well-crafted by a young Grieg, if not as great a masterpiece as his Ballad in G minor, Op. 24. Andsnes makes the most of the score; his reading is convincing.
Excepts are included of the Poetic tone pictures, Op. 3 (Nos. 4-6), and Album leaves, Op. 28 (Nos. 1 & 4). Complete recordings of these two opuses may be found in Volume 3 of Einar Steen-Nokleberg's survey for Naxos (Grieg: Piano Music, Vol. 3).
The second CD covers Books 3, 5, and 8 of Grieg's delightful Lyric Pieces. These books cover many of the more famous pieces, including "Butterfly," "Solitary Wanderer," the six pieces of Op. 54 (the majority of which Grieg later orchestrated), and "Wedding day at Troldhaugen." All are played with charm and a lyrical musicality.
Overall, Andsnes is a pianist of convincing ability, performing Grieg's music without visible fault. If there was ever one album of Grieg's piano music to buy, this is it. Timing - CD 1: 64'21"; CD 2: 60'50"
Great Greig collection!!
So far there is a unanimous Amazon 5-star vote for this CD so I'm going to add my voice to the choir, and add to what other reviewers have said.
Aside from the Piano Concerto, Peer Gynt Suites, and a few lyric pieces here and there, Greig's music is largely overlooked. So it is very refreshing to find such a great *double* album that presents so much great piano music. Yes, the piano concerto is here, and it is an excellent recording, however, you should own this album for the performance of the rare Sonata, op. 7, the three sets of Lyric Pieces (op. 43, 54, & 65) and other beautiful piano miniatures here. The Sonata, timing about 20 minutes, is a full blown romantic work that could join the canon of great sonatas with those of Schubert, Chopin, and early to middle Beethoven (while leaving late Beethoven and Brahms in a class by themselves). The first movement of the sonata is short but epic in its emotional scope and thematic development, and the other movements are similarly excellently composed without going into the details. This is definitely a piece that more pianists should be familiar with.
The program choice to include full sets of Lyric Pieces is also very pleasing. Often, these works are presented individually. It is pleasant to hear them as complete sets in the published order, which brings out the contrasting characters and colors which the composer certainly had in mind when he published them. Greig's music is indeed a distinct breed: rhapsodic impulse and subtle harmonic touches originating from his Norwegian heritage often hint towards Debussian impressionism and late Brahms, but always maintain their distinct voice. Among the special gems here are the Butterfly (op. 43, no. 1) with its flittering right hand movements; 'To Spring' (op. 43, no. 6); Norwegian Dance (op. 54, no. 2), where a carefree opening turns into a thumping syncopated peasant dance; The March of the Trolls (op. 54, no. 3) which scampers left and right; and the famous Wedding Day at Troldhaugen (op. 65, no. 6) which brings the second disc to a rousing conclusion. Excerpts from Greig's Poetic Tone Pictures, op. 3 and Album Leaves, op. 28 (nos. 1 & 4) are also gorgeously played.
Though Andsnes has, in recent years, delivered impressive recordings of Schubert Sonatas, and Mozart and Rachmaninoff concerti (the latter with the Berlin Philharmonic) and has achieved tremendous international renown, these Grieg recordings from the early part of Andsnes' career (late 80s, early 90s)--which demonstrate pianistic subtleties, stunning technique, incredible character, fluid and poetic phrasing, and a strong overriding sense of form and structure--could be enough to convince you that Andsnes belongs in the pantheon of great living pianists: Argerich, Brendel, Kissin, Bronfman, Ax, Pollini, Barenboim, etc. This music is not often played by musicians of Andsnes stature and global reputation. The sound quality from the Virgin engineers is perfect--clear, crisp and full. This is a sensational album of piano music that show both the composer and performer in the best possible light: a must for piano-philes and Greig fans, and very highly recommended for everyone else. I believe the Amazon price of this *double* album (more than 2 hours!) is $7.97. Which means you can't afford to pass it up.
Andsnes Gives Grieg Back to Contemporary Audiences
Leif Ove Andsnes is a once-wunderkind of the piano who has matured into one of the finest pianists of today. His ability to finesse the subtleties of Mozart and Haydn, find the visceral flow of the Romantic composers such as Brahms, Schumann, Chopin, Schubert, Liszt, and Rachmaninoff, and still open the way for new works by contemporary composers such as Kurtag and Dalbavie is evidence of his enormous musicality and intelligence. But the joy of hearing Andsnes resurrect Edvard Grieg's Piano Concerto, once the staple of every orchestra season but now generally and mistakenly dismissed as second class music, is cause for celebration. His current degree of insight and elegance in his interpretation of this concerto is strongly evident in his performances with the LA Philharmonic and Esa-Pekka Salonen as he begins a long artist in residence period. The collaboration is majestic and deeply moving.
This recording dating back to 2000 and performed with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Dmitri Kitayenko is strong but lacks the conviction of his current interpretation. That could be in part due to the less than rich sounding orchestra and somewhat pedestrian conducting. But still, Andsnes illuminates the Grieg with full-bodied sound, facile technique, allowing the music to come solidly from his hands and heart, proving that this concerto is simply not passé. With Andsnes it is truly important.
The bonus of this generous and reasonably priced 2 CD set is the inclusion of the 'Piano Sonata in E Minor, Op. 7', three excerpts from 'Poetic Tone-Pictures Op. 3', two excepts from 'Album Leaves Op. 28', the 'Agitato for piano', and 17 of the 'Lyric Pieces'. Andsnes traverses the various moods and technical challenges of these works with ease and conviction. He simply understands this repertoire better than anyone performing today. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, December 05
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