More Greatness from Grieg
Aronne | 02/21/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Einar Steen-Nokleberg has created another winning album of Grieg's piano music. This particular volume contains the Four Album Leaves, Op. 28, the Poetic Tone-picutres, Op. 3, the Pictures from Everyday-life Humoresques, Op. 19, and the epic Ballade in G minor, Op. 24. Two other small pieces are thrown in for good measure.
Steen-Nokleberg's performances are generally very even. Rarely does he take liberties with the music. The Ballad in G minor contains a good deal more rubato than it could have had, but it sounds spontaneous rather than calculated. The Ballade may be Greig's most important piano work. It is a set of variations on (you guessed it) a Norwegian folk-song. The emotional intensity and flash of different moods make it one of his best compositions.
Opus 19 contains three delightful pieces. The second, a bridal march, is famous for its orchestration and inclusion in later forms of Peer Gynt (though Grieg only intended it for the piano). The bridal march makes a brief reappearance in "From the carnival." All three are vintage Grieg.
Not so with the Poetic Tone-pictures. This early work comprising six pieces, while not sounding like mature Grieg, is still very persuasive and often memorable. The "Allegro cantabile" has a lulling charm about it. The entire work contains more than enough variation to captivate the listener's attention.
The Naxos sound is exemplary. Overall, this is an excellent Grieg album, presenting a variety of Opuses sure to give any listener enjoyment. Timing: 64'05""