Jean Sibelius was a Finnish composer and violinist of the late Romantic and early-modern periods. The composer has been quoted as saying, “I do not care for the piano – it is an unsatisfying, ungrateful instrument.” Also, “the piano does not interest me; it cannot sing.” However, in the hands of pianist Leif Ove Andsnes, Sibelius’ works are given the airtime that can bring this composer, often overlooked by most pianists – much needed attention to demonstrate the complexities, subtilties and power of his piano compositions. In the booklet for this release, Andsnes asks, “how can there be a major composer out there with such accessible music that people don’t know?” The Finnish composer’s unjustly neglected oeuvre for solo piano is the focus of Andsnes’ Sony Classical album, Sibelius, which includes Sibelius’ arrangement of his famous Valse triste, excerpts from the popular Ten Pieces and early Six Impromptus, and the expressive Kyllikki (Three Lyric Pieces). All of the pieces chosen convey the composer’s distinct voice and each piece is brought to magisterial elegance by Andsnes’ power, insight, commanding technique and musical interpretations. That’s the short of it!
Sibelius
6 Impromptus, Op. 5: 6 Impromptus, Op. 5: Impromptu V
6 Impromptus, Op. 5: 6 Impromptus, Op. 5: Impromptu VI
Kyllikki - Three Lyrical Pieces for Piano, Op. 41: I. Largamente
Kyllikki - Three Lyrical Pieces for Piano, Op. 41: Kyllikki - Three Lyrical Pieces for Piano, Op. 41: II. Andantino
Kyllikki - Three Lyrical Pieces for Piano, Op. 41: III. Commodo
10 Pieces for Piano, Op. 24: 10 Pieces for Piano, Op. 24: Romance, No. 9
10 Pieces for Piano, Op. 24: 10 Pieces for Piano, Op. 24: Barcarola, No. 10
10 Pieces for Piano, Op. 58: Der Hirt, No. 4
Valse triste, Op. 44, No. 1 (Arranged for Piano)
Sonatina No. 1, Op. 67: Sonatina No. 1, Op. 67: I. Allegro
Sonatina No. 1, Op. 67: Sonatina No. 1, Op. 67: II. Largo
Sonatina No. 1, Op. 67: Sonatina No. 1, Op. 67: III. Allegro moderato
Five Pieces for Piano, Op. 75: Five Pieces for Piano, Op. 75: Björken, No. 4
Five Pieces for Piano, Op. 75: Five Pieces for Piano, Op. 75: Granen, No. 5
2 Rondinos for Piano, Op. 68: Rondino II
13 Pieces for Piano, Op. 76: Elegiaco, No. 10
6 Bagatelles for Piano, Op. 97: 6 Bagatelles for Piano, Op. 97: Impromptu, No. 5
6 Bagatelles for Piano, Op. 97: 6 Bagatelles for Piano, Op. 97: Humoristischer Marsch, No. 4
6 Bagatelles for Piano, Op. 97: Lied, No. 2
Fünf Skizzen, Op. 114: I. Landschaft
Fünf Skizzen, Op. 114: Fünf Skizzen, Op. 114: II. Winterbild
Fünf Skizzen, Op. 114: Fünf Skizzen, Op. 114: III. Der Teich
Fünf Skizzen, Op. 114: Fünf Skizzen, Op. 114: IV. Lied im Walde
Fünf Skizzen, Op. 114: Fünf Skizzen, Op. 114: V. Im Frühling
Release Date: September 1, 2017
Sony Classical
65 minutes
The qualities of the Romantic period are still found in the flowing melodies of the Three Lyric Pieces Op. 41 (named Kyllikki after one of Lemminkäinen’s maidens) and Sonatina Op. 67. The sound quality of the recording is excellent and Andsnes’ touch on the piano is magical, bringing forth character and refinements from the instrument seldom heard with such authority and command.
Bryce Dessner, Solos Review
Gwyneth Wentink, Canto Ostinato Review
