Instead of pairing an artist with beer, once in a while, the elves at Backyard Road Trips review an album that is, at least, new to them. For this record review, we’re heading to the classical section of the record store to pick out Grieg and Schumann Piano Concertos by Leif Ove Andsnes and Mariss Jansons with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.
Grieg (and Schumann Piano Concertos)
The disc begins with Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor. Grieg is best known for pieces still popular today such as “In the Hall of the Mountain King” and “Morning Mood” both from the Peer Gynt Suite.
This concerto, the piece begins with the truly enchanting sound of the piano. Soon it forays into the grandiose with help from the orchestra. Of the two composers, Grieg’s concerto has more bombast than Schumann’s and even borders on the foreboding he does so well on his orchestral “In the Hall of the Mountain King.” The Grieg concerto is a perfect backdrop to a movie in one’s mind.
Hello Schumann
Grieg was influenced by Schumann which definitely shows through in his piano concerto. Both pieces are in A minor and have a similar juxtaposition between piano and orchestra. The Schumann concerto is more romantic in sound. The pianist initially performing the concerto was Schumann’s wife, Clara.
Both concertos fit seamlessly together, creating a masterpiece of an album. The striking Grieg concerto first flows effortlessly into the calming work of Schumann. This Grieg and Schumann Piano Concertos album is highly recommended!
