This 42nd issue (and still counting) of the Romantic Piano Concerto cycle from Hyperion is dedicated to a completely unknown work, and a discretely popular one, both from Norway
Eyvind Alnaes (1872-1932) was not a prolific composer. His major large-scale works consists of the two symphonies, and the concerto here recorded. Although he had Grieg-like ambitions to become a major composer, he mostly produced short pieces including a number of songs that have remained very popular in Norway.
Christian Sinding (1856-1941) of 'Rustle of Spring' fame like Alnaes wrote many songs and piano pieces but his major works are much more prolific. His 40-year stint in Germany exposed him to the traditions emanating from composers such as Liszt and Wagner and this can be observed in his concerto which includes a lot of these sublime influences.
Piers Lane is a passionate advocate of these works and the Bergen orchestra plays with committed advocacy under the knowledgeable baton of Andrew Litton. Roll on #43 please!
Copyright © 2007, Gerald Fenech