Leif Ove Andsnes, one of the most celebrated pianists of our time, presents a captivating journey through the world of classical piano with his album "A Portrait." Released on January 1, 2001, under EMI Classics, this album is a testament to Andsnes' virtuosity and versatility, spanning a diverse range of compositions from renowned composers.
The album, clocking in at 2 hours and 31 minutes, is a rich tapestry of classical piano works, including concertos, sonatas, and shorter pieces. Andsnes' interpretation of these works is nothing short of breathtaking, showcasing his technical prowess and deep musical insight. From the dramatic intensity of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op.16 to the delicate beauty of Grieg's Lyric Pieces, Andsnes navigates each piece with remarkable skill and sensitivity.
The album also features works by Haydn, Scriabin, and Andsnes' fellow Norwegian, Edvard Grieg. The inclusion of Grieg's compositions adds a touch of national pride to the album, highlighting Andsnes' connection to his musical heritage. The pieces range from the lively and rhythmic "Bryllupsdag på Troldhaugen" to the introspective and melancholic "Dan långje långje vettranåttæ."
Andsnes' performance is not just a display of technical brilliance, but also a profound exploration of the emotional and narrative depths of each piece. His playing is characterized by a rare combination of power and delicacy, making this album a compelling listen from start to finish. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "A Portrait" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
(C) 2005 EMI Records LtdThis compilation (P) 2001 by EMI Records Ltd.
Tracks
Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op.16: I. Allegro molto moderatoBergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Dmitri Kitayenko, Leif Ove Andsnes
Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op.16: II. AdagioLeif Ove Andsnes, Dmitri Kitayenko, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op.16: III. Allegro moderato molto e marcato - Andante maestosoBergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Leif Ove Andsnes, Dmitri Kitayenko
Fantasie in C, Op.17: III. Langsam getragen - Durchweg leise zu haltenLeif Ove Andsnes
Mephisto Waltz No. 1, S.514Leif Ove Andsnes
Drei Intermezzi, Op.117: No. 2 in B Flat Minor: Andante non troppo e con molta espressioneLeif Ove Andsnes
Piano Concerto D Major, Hob XVIII:11: VivaceLeif Ove Andsnes, Norwegian Chamber Orchestra
Piano Concerto D Major, Hob XVIII:11: Un poco adagioNorwegian Chamber Orchestra, Leif Ove Andsnes
Piano Concerto D Major, Hob XVIII:11: Rondo all 'UnghereseLeif Ove Andsnes, Norwegian Chamber Orchestra
Lyric Pieces, Op.65: VI. Wedding Day at Troldhaugen (Bryllupsdag på Troldhaugen)Leif Ove Andsnes
Lyric Pieces, Op.43: I. Butterfly (Schmetterling)Leif Ove Andsnes
Lyric Pieces, Op.43: VI. To the Spring (An den Frühling)Leif Ove Andsnes
Humoreske-Bagateller, Op.11: No. 1, Goddag! Goddag!Leif Ove Andsnes
Humoreske-Bagateller, Op.11: No. 2, SnurretoppenLeif Ove Andsnes
Humoreske-Bagateller, Op.11: No. 3, En lille langsom valsLeif Ove Andsnes
Humoreske-Bagateller, Op.11: No. 4, SprællemandenLeif Ove Andsnes
Humoreske-Bagateller, Op.11: No. 5, DukkemarchLeif Ove Andsnes
Humoreske-Bagateller, Op.11: No. 6, SpilleværketLeif Ove Andsnes
Friar føter (A-wooing) No. 3Leif Ove Andsnes
Langeleik-låt (Langeleik tune), Op.150 No. 27Leif Ove Andsnes
Dan långje långje vettranåttæ (The long, long winter night), Op.150 No. 37Leif Ove Andsnes
Nordlandsbilleder (Pictures from Nordland) Suite No. 1, Op.5: II. Den lille stengud (The little stone god)Leif Ove Andsnes
Nordlandsbilleder (Pictures from Nordland) Suite No. 1, Op.5: III. Rensdyr (Reindeer)Leif Ove Andsnes
Nordlandsbilleder (Pictures from Nordland) Suite No. 1, Op.5: IV. Mot fedrenes fjell (Towards the mountains of my forefathers)Leif Ove Andsnes
V. Kjempeviseslåtten (Ballad of revolt) Op.22 (Book II)Leif Ove Andsnes
Piano Sonata 1.X.1905, 'From the Street': PresentimentLeif Ove Andsnes
Piano Sonata 1.X.1905, 'From the Street': DeathLeif Ove Andsnes
9 Etudes-tableaux, Op.33: No. 2 in CLeif Ove Andsnes
Concerto for Piano, Trumpet & Strings in C Minor, Op.35: I. Allegro moderato -Leif Ove Andsnes, Håkan Hardenberger, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Paavo Järvi
Concerto for Piano, Trumpet & Strings in C Minor, Op.35: II. Lento -Paavo Järvi, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Håkan Hardenberger, Leif Ove Andsnes
Concerto for Piano, Trumpet & Strings in C Minor, Op.35: III. Moderato -City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Leif Ove Andsnes, Håkan Hardenberger, Paavo Järvi
Concerto for Piano, Trumpet & Strings in C Minor, Op.35: IV. Allegro brioPaavo Järvi, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Håkan Hardenberger, Leif Ove Andsnes
Piano Sonata No. 30 in B Minor, Hob.XVI:32: II: MenuetLeif Ove Andsnes
Piano Sonata No. 30 in B Minor, Hob.XVI:32: III: Finale -PrestoLeif Ove Andsnes
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