Search - Leif Ove Andsnes, Grieg, Tveitt :: Leif Ove Andsnes - The long, long winter night ~ Grieg · Tveitt · Johansen · Valen · Saeverud

LEIF OVE ANDSNES : A PARAGON OF CULTURAL VIRTUE

jeanneduval@hotmail.com | UK | 01/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"To explore the culture of your homeland with the sophistication and dedication that Andsnes expresses on the album deserves a Nobel Prize. This dynamic young Norwegian pianist escews cultural imperialism and exploitation and gives pride to those who recognise the depth and value of the music that has evolved over time in this seemingly far far land. This collection of Norwegian music, echoing so often the dynamics of the landscape and psychological interrogation of the nature of time ~ long long winter nights, and by implication long long summer days. Andsnes bears witness to the craft and creativity of his forebearers with style beautifully expressing their ideas and ambitions. A wonderfully powerful cd. Enjoy!"

Music for Long Winter Nights and any time of day or season!

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 11/21/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Leif Ove Andsnes is a fine musician who feels an affinity to his Scandinavian roots as he so ably demonstrates in this exquisite recording of Norwegian piano music. Yes, we all know the Grieg pieces and Andsnes plays them with shimmering intensity and flair. But it is the piano works of David Monrad Johansen, Geirr Tveitt, Fartein Valen, and Harald Saeverud that come as special surprises. Each of these composers lived well into the 20th Century and yet their music, while embracing forms of modern idiom, simply 'feels' Nordic. Here are some of the more ethereal melodies and folksong-inspired rhythms in the literature for the solo piano and Andsnes plays them to perfection.Another fine aspect of this generous recording is the engineering choices of allowing enough silence between pieces to allow the air to breathe around the one last performed and inhale, ready for the next. This is a very special album of new music that should encourage other pianists (and audiences) to pay closer attention to Norwegian composers. Recommended. Grady Harp, November 2004

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Engaging listening

Feller who likes Old Yeller | Webster, NY | 02/18/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A collection of works by Norwegian composers, including several worthy lesser-known works, performed with superlative musicianship by Leif Ove Andsnes. Rhythmic passages churn, fast passages sparkle, lyrical passages sing, to great emotional effect. Andsnes makes his technical proficiency a servant to the compositions. Every composer should be so lucky to have an artist such as this play his works."