Beyond his virtuoso concerto repertoire, Roland Pöntinen also focuses on recital repertoire and chamber music.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Liszt described some pieces in "Weihnachtsbaum" as portraits: "Ungarisch" as a self-portrait, "Polnisch" as a portrait of Carolyne, and "Ehemals" as a nostalgic memory of their first meeting.
Performer Biography
Roland Pöntinen, the Swedish pianist, debuted at age 17 with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra.
Compositional Technique
Liszt experimented with different instruments while composing "Weihnachtsbaum," including harmoniums, a pianino-harmonium, and a glass-piano.
Performer Biography
Roland Pöntinen is also a composer; his work "Blue Winter" was premiered in Carnegie Hall by the Philadelphia Orchestra in 1988.
Composition History
Franz Liszt's "Weihnachtsbaum" (Christmas Tree) suite, consisting of twelve movements, was dedicated to his granddaughter Daniela when she was 14 years old.
Performer Biography
Roland Pöntinen has performed with major orchestras across Scandinavia, Europe, the USA, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
