This much awaited recording offers keenly idiomatic performances of the most famous works by Grieg, played by the composer's own orchestra, the Bergen Philharmonic, and it's Chief Conductor, Edward Gardner. The drama and passion of such favourite pieces as the incidental music to Peer Gynt and the Piano Concerto are superbly captured in surround-sound with exemplary Chandos sound quality. Unlike most existing recordings, offering only the orchestral suites, this disc presents numerous extra excerpts from Peer Gynt, which follow the sequence of Henrik Ibsen's dramatic poem, including sections for the unique Norwegian 'Hardanger Fiddle'. Having collaborated with the orchestra on several occasions, Jean-Efflam Bavouzet is the soloist in the Piano Concerto, a piece that stands out as a shining example of a single great thought captured and expressed in music. The power of this conception is evident throughout the concerto in the pianist's faithful, yet highly romantic interpretation.

Tracklist:

Peer Gynt, Op. 23: No. 1, Prelude. I Bryllupsgården
Peer Gynt, Op. 23: No. 3a, Halling
Peer Gynt, Op. 23: No. 3b, Springar
Peer Gynt, Op. 23: No. 4, Prelude. Bruderovet - Ingrids Klage
Peer Gynt, Op. 23: No. 5, Peer Gynt Og Seterjentene
Peer Gynt, Op. 23: No. 8, I Dovregubbens Hall
Peer Gynt, Op. 23: No. 9, Dans Av Dovregubbens Datter
Peer Gynt, Op. 23: No. 14, Åses Død
Peer Gynt, Op. 23: No. 15, Prelude. Morgenstemning
Peer Gynt, Op. 23: No. 17, Arabisk Dans
Peer Gynt, Op. 23: No. 18, Anitras Dans
Peer Gynt, Op. 23: No. 19, Peer Gynts Serenade
Peer Gynt, Op. 23: No. 21, Solveigs Sang
Peer Gynt, Op. 23: No. 23, Prelude. Peer Gynts Hjemfart. Stormfull Aften På Havet
Peer Gynt, Op. 23: No. 27, Pinsesalme. Velsignede Morgen
Peer Gynt, Op. 23: No. 28, Solveigs Vuggevise
Piano Concerto In A Minor, Op. 16: I. Allegro Molto Moderato
Piano Concerto In A Minor, Op. 16: II. Adagio
Piano Concerto In A Minor, Op. 16: III. Allegro Moderato Molto E Marcato
Folkelivsbilder, Op. 19: No. 2, Brudefølget Drager Forbi (Arr. J. Halvorsen)

UPC: 095115519028
Label: Chandos
Release Date: 1.5.18
Format: CD

Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra - Piano Concerto (CD)