Dive into the rich musical tapestry of Carl Nielsen's "Espansiva," a captivating collection of works for piano four hands, set to release on September 6, 2024, under OUR Recordings. This album showcases Nielsen's mastery of orchestral composition, reimagined for an intimate piano duet setting.
The centerpiece of the album is Nielsen's Symphony No. 3, Op. 27, "Sinfonia Espansiva," composed between 1910 and 1911. This expansive symphony, originally orchestrated, is presented here in a meticulously arranged version for piano four hands, allowing the listener to experience the depth and breadth of Nielsen's orchestral writing in a more intimate setting. The symphony's four movements—Allegro espansivo, Andante pastorale, Allegretto un poco, and Finale - Allegro—unfold with a sense of grandeur and lyricism that is both expansive and deeply personal.
In addition to the symphony, the album features two excerpts from "Saul og David," FS 25, in their piano four hands versions: "Allegro burrascoso" and "Allegro violente." These pieces, receiving their world premiere recordings on this album, offer a glimpse into Nielsen's dramatic and expressive range. The album concludes with a bonus track, the "Højby Riffle Club March," arranged for piano four hands by Carl Nielsen and Kristoffer Hyldig. This lively march, composed by Nielsen's father, Niels Jørgensen, adds a playful and energetic finale to the collection.
With a total duration of 45 minutes, "Espansiva" is a testament to Carl Nielsen's enduring legacy and his ability to create music that is both orchestral in scope and intimate in expression. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Nielsen's work or a newcomer to his compositions, this album offers a unique and engaging listening experience.
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