Sibelius's Sonatinas (1912) are considered some of the most progressive and unusual piano works of the early 20th century, featuring 'unusual techniques in every sense'.
Compositional Technique
Sibelius's piano works sometimes show his orchestral thinking advancing the instrument's language, even if it challenges a player's technical orthodoxy.
Historical Context
During Sibelius's lifetime, the thriving domestic piano scene in Nordic countries meant that publishing royalties from piano miniatures often yielded more cash than those from orchestral works.
Composer Biography
Jean Sibelius's aunt Julia, a piano teacher, gave him his first piano lessons, and as an infant, he would crawl under his grandmother's piano when it was played.
Interpretation
Pianist Leif Ove Andsnes is on a mission to bring Sibelius's piano works out of the shadows, believing strongly in the music and wanting people to hear it.
Performer Biography
Pianist Leif Ove Andsnes feels a particular closeness to Sibelius, having had some of his deepest musical experiences performing Sibelius's orchestral works under conductor Paavo Berglund.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Jean Sibelius once remarked that the piano 'doesn't sing,' a comment that has been a 'PR disaster' for his piano works.
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