Grieg: Piano Concerto; Symphonic Dances [Hybrid SACD] [Hybrid SACD - DSD]

Edvard Grieg (Composer), Bjarte Engeset (Conductor), Royal Scottish National Orchestra (Orchestra), Havard Gimse (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Havard Gimse
• Orchestra: Royal Scottish National Orchestra
• Conductor: Bjarte Engeset
• Composer: Edvard Grieg
• Audio CD (June 15, 2004)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Hybrid SACD - DSD
• Label: Naxos
• ASIN: B0001ZA3DI
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #392,075 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

In his own words, Grieg aspired ‘to paint Norwegian nature, Norwegian folk-life, Norwegian history and Norwegian folk-poetry in music’. In Autumn sees Grieg take inspiration from the forces of nature, both life-giving and destructive, whether it be from the farmers’ harvest celebrations or he ensuing death and decay, while the Symphonic Dances make extensive use of Norwegian folk-melodies. Indeed it has often been said that the famous Piano Concerto has an lement of untamed wildness in its opening timpani roll followed by the cascading chimes of the piano. Whatever its inspiration, this cornerstone of the piano repertoire remains one of most enduringly-popular of all concertos on account of its profusion of inspired melodies, noble eloquence and poetic vitality.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Dreamery Grieg", February 21, 2007

By 

Frank Pandel (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Grieg: Piano Concerto; Symphonic Dances [Hybrid SACD] (Audio CD)

Naxos continues to impress me with their SACD releases. This wonderful pairing of pieces under Engeset and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra with Havard Gimse in the Piano Concerto shines and sparkles from start to finish.

Amazing sonics, clear piano lines and vivid "upfront" orchestral layerings grace the Piano Concerto. "In Autumn" is powerful and clear. The Symphonic Dances is so "moody" in composition and receives nuances that compliment Grieg's intentions. This recording has wonderful orchestral balance and top to bottom spatial imaging.
Stunning Package!

Frank Pandel
musicologist reviews