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Site review by Polly Nomial October 6, 2009
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Performance: Sonics (MC): |
A massive disappointment.
The piano concerto is "played" by Percy Grainger via a piano roll and is accompanied by the Kristiansand Symfoniorkester and Rolf Gupta. The rendition of Grainger is rather scrappy by the standards of today and the overall sonic image is not helped by the size of orchestra; it is simply far too small when individual string instruments can be heard instead of a solid body of tone. The effect is exacerbated by their surround seating devised by 2L - strings of 7/4/3/5/3 are just too small for late Romantic composers. In no way does it compare favourably to Grieg: Piano Concerto, Symphony, In Autumn - Ruud for the concerto.
Of some historical interest is the inclusion of four miniatures marked up by Grieg himself and "played" thanks to the help of the noted pianolist Rex Lawson. These are less scrupulous to the score than one might expect, which provides authenticists with an interesting dilemma - which is more important the performing style or the score? A further piano roll of Percy Grainger performing Grieg completes the miniatures presented on this disc. More miniatures are available as a download after entering a code supplied in the accompanying booklet.
The final work is the third violin sonata played by Øyvind Bjorå, "accompanied" by Rex Lawson who is interpreting an unmarked piano roll. It must be said that Bjorå and Lawson do not really have a meeting of minds in their interpretation and the unnatural perfection of the piano part just make the whole performance sound stilted.
The sound is very good, as usual from 2L, but as noted in the performance of the concerto this can be a double-edged sword.
Not recommended unless you must have the Grieg miniatures.
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Copyright © 2009 John Broggio and SA-CD.net
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