Bentzon: Piano Works

Featuring

Ramez Mhaanna
Niels Viggo Bentzon

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Composition History

The Partita, Op. 38, completed in 1945, reflects the transition from war to peace, embodying a shift from depressive darkness to hope and happiness.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Niels Viggo Bentzon believed there was no difference between composition and improvisation, often trusting his hands to guide his playing.

Composition History

The three earliest works on this album (Toccata, Passacaglia, and Partita) form a trilogy based on late Baroque style, according to the composer Niels Viggo Bentzon.

Composer Biography

Niels Viggo Bentzon, the composer, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, an illness that affected his personality throughout his life.

Compositional Technique

Niels Viggo Bentzon's Toccata is influenced by Paul Hindemith's 'neo-baroque' style, which features expanded tonality and dissonance.

Performer Biography

Ramez Mhaanna, the pianist on this album, is an internationally recognized Danish pianist with Russian and Lebanese heritage, who has won several national and international piano competitions.

Composition History

The work Træsnit (Woodcuts) was inspired by the Dada-ist artist group Linien II and was first performed in 1950 with Niels Viggo Bentzon at the piano as a member of the group.