Leif Ove Andsnes. Grieg Lyric Pieces. EMI Classics (2002)
The pianist Leif Ove Andsnes is considered by many to be the greatest living interpreter of the music of Edvard Grieg. What is particularly memorable about this recording is that Andsnes plays these lyric pieces on Grieg’s own Steinway piano in the composer’s home at Troldhaugen, outside of Bergen. The pieces include "Weddding Day at Troldhaugen," "Cradle Song," "The March of the Trolls," and "Homesickness."
- Recommended by Christine Foster Meloni, Culture Club Editor

Grieg, Edvard, Volume VIII, 19 Norwegian Folksongs, Eva Knardahl, piano.
In his text that accompanies this CD, Robert von Bahr asserts that the "remarkable, strongly native tonal language which speaks so forcefully in his many and varied works for the piano establish Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) as the foremost composer of keyboard music in the Nordic countries." Grieg created the settings for these 19 folksongs in the last years of his life. Pointing out the "murky depth" in Norwegian folk music, he said that it was "the chromatic links within the harmonic structure" which especially intrigued him. This CD is available through Grammofon AB BIS, Djursholm, Sweden as well as amazon.com which offers audio samples.
- Recommended by Christine Foster Meloni, Culture Club Editor

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