J.P.E. Hartmann, the composer, came from a family of musicians and composers who influenced Danish music for over 200 years.
Performer Biography
Thomas Trondhjem, the pianist on this recording, has received numerous awards, including a 'Danish Music Award' (Grammy) in 2002 and the P2-prisen in 2003 for his solo recordings.
Composition History
Many of the short piano pieces on this album were written for performance in homes, providing income for the composer from the growing middle class who could afford pianos and music lessons.
Recording & Production
The album features world premiere recordings of J.P.E. Hartmann's piano works, performed on a Steinway Grand Piano Model D.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Hartmann believed that smaller musical forms, like those by Mendelssohn, Schumann, and Chopin, required significant harmonic knowledge and subtlety to stand on their own.
Composer Biography
J.P.E. Hartmann was born in the same year as Hans Christian Andersen, the famous Danish author, and August Bournonville, Denmark's most famous ballet creator, both of whom became his friends and collaborators.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Hartmann's music often features an atmosphere known as 'The Nordic Tone,' characterized by a serious, slightly sombre, rhythmically divergent, and folk-music-infused style.
