Customer Reviews

Piano Concerto In A Minor / Symphonic Dances

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Ohlsson, the technical giant, doesn't need to 'show off' in this concerto, but the technique is brilliant when needed. The cadenza in the first movement starts very pianissimo and builds to a huge climax. The sound is gorgeous and the orchestra is bathed in a lush sound. Its one of the most beautiful Grieg Concertos recorded.

Grieg is an odd character; he was never very self-confident about composing, yet he received great success. Of Norwegian composers, Grieg believed Johan Svendsen his better, but history tells a much different story, and it is easy to tell why on this disk.

All of the works on this disk are in some way related to the piano. The Symphonic Dances, for example, were orginally meant to be a piano duet. Each of the four movements are in ternary form (ABA) and each has a Norwegian folk song associated with it. While compared to other romantic folk dance works of the time (Brahms, Dvorak, etc.) the melodies aren't the most ingenious or memorable, they do have a lot of charm, however, and Grieg's orchestration is exciting enough to overlook this.

The more famous piano concerto is excellently performed here by Garrick Ohlsson. He gives a robust interpretation, not pretentious at all, and the piano is well placed in the recording. The slow second movement is particularly moving, in both emotion and tempo, and the outer movements are played technically well with extra gusto from Ohlsson. While the classical music world probably doesnt need another recording of the Grieg concerto, this one stands with the competition, and unlike the others, this isn't programmed with the Schumann piano concerto.

Wedding Day at Troldhaugen is a re-orchestrated piano solo, played here with great romantic warmth and really is just an added bonus to an already well-programmed CD.

The playing of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields is really good, if rather on the academic side. Garrick Ohlsson carries the concerto well, but the Symphonic Dances lack somewhat in the dance category. Also, the hall the orchestra is playing in is a tad bit too swimmy. All that being said, the performance and all the balances are good along with an outstanding piano solo. Try this one out if you can.

I love this song!! I am currently in piano lessons and a girl I am taking lessons with played this beautifully! I found this CD and listened to the song over and over! It was a wonderful CD! Thanks!