kullervopete
Conductor in Residence
Joined: 08 Jun 2007
Posts: 1121
Location: Bury Lancs UK
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 Posted: Mon May 11, 2009 1:27 pm Post subject: Havard Gimse plays Sibelius |
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I have been listening to the first volume on Naxos of Havard Gimse's exploration of Sibelius's piano music. On this CD are a number of early pieces and they give the lie to his detractors claims that this music is unworthy of the composer.
SIX IMPROMPTUS OP 5 [1893]
All in all this is a delightful set. It is believed that they were inspired by the Kantele melodies and dances that Sibelius had heard in Eastern Finland. No. 1 in G minor made a deep impression, it has a solemn heart-felt melody. No. 2 is something of a showpiece and very pianistic! No. 4 suggests a folk song, but probably pure Sibelius. No. 5 is a beautiful piece with vivace arrpeggios, highly characteristic. No. 6 another wistful melody over a repeated bass pattern. What a marvellous set.
SONATA IN F MAJOR OP 12 [1893]
I also enjoyed this early sonata. I'm no pianist but to my ears Sibelius writes idiomatically for the keyboard and Gimse is in good form. After a brilliant engaging allegro molto in Tripartite classical sonata form, we have a haunting andantino in B Flat minor, this is no mere note spinning that many of the critics would have you believe, but music of conviction, from the heart. We now have a masterly vivacissimo final movement with a rhythmic opening theme contrasted with a relaxed second section over pedal-notes. After a return of these elements, cascades of arpeggios bring this sonata to a rousing close.
TEN PIECES OP 24 [1894-1903]
Again a feast for Sibelians. I have picked a couple of my favourites. The opening Impromptu is a gem, I can imagine this being played as background to an old silent film. Perhaps the best known is the D flat major 'Romance' Sib has a superb tune here and exploits it to the full.
A wonderful set from Havard Gimse and a great introduction to the masters piano works.--kp
Naxos 8.553899
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Peter Frankland |
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