Eivind Aadland - Edvard Grieg: Symphonic Works, Vol. 2

180-gram LP includes codes for MP3 and HD album downloads

The LP Edvard Grieg: Symphonic Works Vol. II presents more highlights from audite's complete edition of Grieg's symphonic works on 180-gram vinyl: his second Peer Gynt suite from the incidental music to Henrik Ibsen's drama Peer Gynt, the story of the ""Nordic Faust"" which inspired Grieg to compose a sonic panorama of the Norwegian character — from the melancholy song of the abandoned Solveig to Peer Gynt's stormy homecoming; the Funeral March in Memory of Rikard Nordraak which Grieg wrote after the death of his close friend; the famous suite From Holberg's Time, a homage to Ludvig Holberg, the caustic ""Moliere of the North""; and Klokkeklang (bell ringing) — an almost impressionist study documenting a surprisingly visionary trait of the otherwise rather conservative composer.

The mythical stage characters, the vivid portrayal of landscapes and the Nordic dance rhythms are presented in audiophile vinyl LP sound. Each LP purchase includes a voucher for a free mp3 and HD stereo download of these works: audite would like to offer access todigital and mobile listening to all its LP devotees as well.

"The time has come to step forward with a work which is notable in bothform and content." These were the words of Edvard Grieg's publisher, reminding the composer of the major genres of the time: symphony, oratorio, opera. But Grieg did not feel the need to write another symphony and another opera in the Middle European style. He wanted to give Norway its unique voice within European concert repertoire. And he did that with songs and piano pieces — and particularly with his symphonic works, released by audite in a five-part complete SACD recording with Eivind Aadland and the WDR Symphony Orchestra. Eivind Aadland's rootsin the tradition of Norwegian folk music audibly influence his interpretations. He comes from a family where Norwegian folk music played an important role, and even as a child he came into intensive contact with Grieg's music. Ideal prerequisites therefore to rediscover Grieg's symphonic works against the background of this tradition.

Grieg's connections with Germany stretch from his studies in Leipzig to his numerous concert performances in that country. Added to that is the extraordinary circulation of his works in Germany. This recording with the WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne therefore also represents on several levels a German-Norwegian synthesis which had already been in existence during Grieg's lifetime. The LP Edvard Grieg: Symphonic Works Vol. I comprises the first Peer Gynt Suite , Op. 46 and the Symphonic Dances , Op. 64.

Side 1

Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55

Incidental music to Peer Gynt by Ibsen

1. I. The Abduction of the Bride; Ingrid’s Lament

2. II. Arabian Dance

3. III. Peer Grynt’s Homecoming; Stormy Evening on the Sea

4. IV. Solveig’s Song

5. Funeral March (Trauermarsch) In Memory Of Rikard Nordraak, eg 107

Side 2

From Holberg’s Time, Op. 40

Suite in the old style for string orchestra

6. I. Prelude. Allegro vivace

7. II. Sarabande. Andante

8. III. Gavotte. Allegretto – Musette. Poco piu mosso

9. IV. Air. Andante religioso

10. V. Rigaudon. Allegro con brio – Poco meno mosso

11. Klokkeklang, Op. 54, No. 6

Be the first to write a review for this item OR just rate it