Search - Edvard Grieg, Leif Ove Andsnes :: Grieg: Lyric Pieces (Performed on Grieg's Piano)

Piano-music lovers: get them both!

Todd Ebert | Long Beach California | 03/08/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I first began seriously listening to classical/instrumental music I wanted to build a collection of cds that would cover all the great works. At first I thought this might not seem too difficult, until I began realizing that many works have many "must-have" interpretations. For example, In Ashenkazy's "Favorite Piano Works of Chopin" I thought I had the definitive Chopin recording...until I heard significantly different and fascinating interpretations of much of the same works by Jean-Yves Thibaudet, followed by Martha Argerich. And the same holds true for the lyric pieces of Grieg, first encountered by Emil Gilels on his famous DG recording of the 70's, and now by Leif Ove Andsnes. Both of these recordings take me to significantly different musical places, and hence I'm glad to have listened to each at least 50 times now. It doesn't have to be "either or" when it comes to deciding which to buy. Listen to both and I guarantee each will find separate places in your heart. In Gilels you may find more elegance and sensitivity to each note, while in Andsnes you'll tend to find more force, uplift, and variation of intensity. In either case I'm sure Grieg would have realized that both have lived the dreams that are promised within his work to all great, dedicated performers."

Distinctive, varied, and a good complement to Gilels's set

Justin Tomlinson | Denver, CO United States | 10/04/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This review is for three categories of people considering the purchase of this CD.1. For those who are not familiar with Grieg's Lyric Pieces: "enchanting" may be the best word to summarize this set of subtle, lyrical, and exotic short piano pieces. Grieg has a distinctive voice as a composer, and these pieces showcase his ideas well. Modal harmonies and Scandanavian sounds mix effortlessly with traditional romantic beauty to create a sparkling spectrum of moods and textures. If you are a fan of piano music looking for something other than Beethoven and Chopin, try Grieg next.2. For those who have the Gilels CD and wonder whether to get this one too: YES. Fourteen of the pieces on this CD are not on Gilels's, including favorites like March of the Dwarfs, Wedding Day at Troldhaugen, and the Waltz in A minor. On at least a few of the pieces that overlap, I'll admit a slight preference for Gilels, but even so, there is little redundancy, because the differences in interpretation are often fascinating in their own right.3. For those deciding whether to start with this or Gilels: I recommend this one, for one main reason. Andsnes plays a few more of the early pieces than Gilels. Grieg's style changed quite a bit over the years, so I feel that the more rounded set on this CD would probably make a better introduction. Still, you won't go wrong with either."

Andsnes Wins A New Fan

brent taylor | Indianapolis, Indiana | 04/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Guilty. I admit not having taken the time to listen to any of Leif Ove Andsnes recordings until I recently acquired this one at an Ebay auction (at a price that was far too good to pass up). Now I may have to seek out his other recordings as well beacasue this one is clearly a winner.I grew up with the now legendary Emil Gilels recording of Grieg and Andsnes' new recording is worthy of comparison in the same breath. There is little overlap between the two recordings, eight pieces, out of the twenty played by Gilels and twenty-four by Andsnes. Ironically, both recordings begin and end with the same selections but Andsnes offers some of the more lively pieces in his set. What really makes this recording novel is the use of Grieg's own Steinway piano from the 1890's in his studio. It is a wonderful instrument with a very rich sound, well suited to these very intimiate miniatures which are a whole musical genre unto themselves. Andsnes does not have to hold back because this piano can deliver and its sonority packs a very suprising punch. There are a few of the quirks unique to older pianos, but they only add to the overall performance. Listen and learn. Perhaps my acquaintance with Andsnes was overdue, but this is a very fine recording--faithful to the instrument and its surroundings; and like the music of Grieg, something to be cherished. If you already own the Gilels recording, this is a nice addition too, or vice versa. I plan on enjoying both for a very long time. Thank you EMI for doing something worthwhile."