Immerse yourself in the captivating world of classical piano with Leif Ove Andsnes' "A Portrait," a stunning compilation released in 2001 under EMI Classics. This two-disc collection spans a generous 2 hours and 31 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of compositions that showcase Andsnes' virtuosity and artistic depth.
The album is a diverse journey through the realms of classical piano, featuring works from renowned composers such as Edvard Grieg, Franz Liszt, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Joseph Haydn. From the dramatic intensity of Grieg's "Piano Concerto in A Minor" to the playful charm of his "Lyric Pieces," Andsnes' interpretation brings a unique sensitivity and clarity to each piece.
Andsnes, a Norwegian pianist and chamber musician, is known for his lucid and rational approach to performance, a trait that shines through in this compilation. His playing is precise yet expressive, offering a fresh perspective on both familiar and lesser-known works. The album includes a mix of concertos, sonatas, etudes, and suites, providing a comprehensive overview of Andsnes' musical range and versatility.
Highlights include the exhilarating "Mephisto Waltz No. 1" by Liszt, the introspective "Piano Sonata 1.X.1905" by Janáček, and the lively "Concerto for Piano, Trumpet & Strings in C Minor" by Hummel. Andsnes' nuanced performances bring out the emotional depth and technical brilliance of these compositions, making "A Portrait" a compelling addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.
Whether you're a longtime admirer of Leif Ove Andsnes or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a rewarding exploration of his artistry and the timeless beauty of classical piano music.
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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