Search - Edvard Grieg, Christian Sinding, Agathe Backer-Grondahl :: Norwegian Classical Favourites

A Useful Sampler for Those With an Open Mind

Robert Kirsch | 01/07/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD contains some of the loveliest short pieces ever written - Edvard Grieg's "Morning Mood" and "In the Hall of the Mountain King" are two highlights that almost everyone can recognize. Additionally the warmth and crispness of these recordings is very satisfying and Engeset's conducting stands up well to peers such as Paavo Jarvi. A few lesser known composers are included also, and this is part of what makes the CD a delight. If you're a classical music lover who would like to broaden your horizons or take the road less traveled, here are a few hidden gems, including but not limited to: Agathe Back Grondahl's summer song - simple and yet one of the most successfully evocative pieces of program music you will ever hear. Halvorsen's "Entry of the Boyars" is played with great gusto and conjures up the imagery of the marching horsemen to perfection.



So if you're interested in Norwegian music generally or would like to hear a few jewels from more obscure composers, I heartily recommend this recording. My only complaint is that the CD seems a little cheaply made. On rare occasions I have to re-insert the CD to get it started.

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