Grieg: Piano Concerto, Old Norwegian Melody with Variations, 2 Lyric Pieces & In Autumn
6/28/2024, 25 Tracks, 1:07:30
Featuring
Grant Johannesen
Maurice Abravanel
Utah Symphony Orchestra
Edvard Grieg
Did you know?
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Composer Biography
A decisive turn in Grieg's artistic outlook occurred after he met Rikard Nordraak, the composer of the Norwegian National Anthem, who directed Grieg's attention to Norwegian folk music.
Cultural Impact
Grieg's music influenced later composers; Ravel stated that he had scarcely written anything not influenced by Grieg, and Debussy's 'La Cathédrale engloutie' recalls Grieg's 'Klokkeklang' from 19 years earlier.
Compositional Technique
Grieg's 'Old Norwegian Melody with Variations' features a melodic 'hallmark' of three descending notes and a characteristic flattening of the third, common in Norwegian folk music.
Critical Reception
In the early 20th century, Grieg's music enjoyed tremendous popularity, but in the years preceding World War II, it was sometimes dismissed as 'hackneyed'.
Performer Biography
Grant Johannesen, the pianist on this album, was nominated 'Chevalier des Arts et Lettres' by the French government for his contributions to French music.
Performer Biography
Maurice Abravanel, the conductor of the Utah Symphony Orchestra on this album, was the youngest conductor to ever step to the podium of the Metropolitan Opera in 1936.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Grieg considered harmony his 'dream-world' and believed the sombre depth of Norwegian folk music was rooted in its harmonic possibilities.
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Burgmüller: Piano Concerto, Op. 1 & Entr'actes, Op. 17
Schumann: Manfred: Overture - Piano Concerto - Overture, Scherzo and Finale
