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BIS

Grieg: Holberg Suite, Erotikk, Elegiac Melodies / Tognetti, Australian Chamber Orchestra

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Details

Composer
GRIEG, EDVARD
Artist
Richard, Tognetti
Format
SACD
Label
BIS
Released
Mar 01, 2012
Catalog #
BIS-SACD-1877
UPC
7318599918778

About


There have been more than a few excellent recent releases of Grieg’s music for string orchestra, notably on Naxos, including orchestrations of his String Quartet in G minor. The Quartet took a lot of heat when it first came out on account of its acres of double-stops and consequent “orchestral” sound, and truth is that it makes an absolutely terrific piece for larger ensemble, losing very little in translation. Tognetti’s arrangement really is as good as any, and as you can well imagine he has his crack ensemble playing the piece to a fare-thee-well, with all of the passion and drive that one could possibly ask for.

The Naxos releases divided discs between the quartet arrangements (including Grieg’s incomplete Quartet in F major) and all of the remaining works for string orchestra. Tognetti presents a mixture. His arrangement of Erotikk, from the Lyric Pieces, is charming and effective, and rather more sensual than the keyboard original. The Two Elegiac Melodies are touching, fluid, and less heavy in these performances than when played by larger forces; but the highlight of the disc must be the performance of the Holberg Suite.

Even though it has been done to death, this version stands out for the vivacious charm and witty phrasing of its Praeludium (sound sample attached), and for the rustic brilliance of the concluding Rigaudon. In between, the Gavotte also has a welcome spring to its step, and as with the Elegiac Melodies the two slower movements never bog down in excessive sentiment. Mind you, sentiment in this music, and plenty of it, isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but if you are going to use smaller forces, this is surely the way to do it. Sonically, this is absolutely state of the art: clear, pure, and tactile in the best way. If the coupling appeals, go for it.

-- David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com

Tracklist 12 tracks

  1. 1 I. Un poco andante - Allegro molto ed agitato 11:49
    Track
    1
    Title
    I. Un poco andante - Allegro molto ed agitato
    Duration
    11:49
    Composer
    Edvard Grieg
    Ensemble
    Australian Chamber Orchestra
    Conductor
    Richard Tognetti
  2. 2 II. Romanze: Andantino - Allegro agitato 06:04
    Track
    2
    Title
    II. Romanze: Andantino - Allegro agitato
    Duration
    06:04
    Composer
    Edvard Grieg
    Ensemble
    Australian Chamber Orchestra
    Conductor
    Richard Tognetti
  3. 3 III. Intermezzo: Allegro molto marcato - Allegro agitato 06:20
    Track
    3
    Title
    III. Intermezzo: Allegro molto marcato - Allegro agitato
    Duration
    06:20
    Composer
    Edvard Grieg
    Ensemble
    Australian Chamber Orchestra
    Conductor
    Richard Tognetti
  4. 4 IV. Finale: Lento - Presto al saltarello 07:43
    Track
    4
    Title
    IV. Finale: Lento - Presto al saltarello
    Duration
    07:43
    Composer
    Edvard Grieg
    Ensemble
    Australian Chamber Orchestra
    Conductor
    Richard Tognetti
  5. 5 No. 1. Hjertesar (The Wounded Heart) 03:17
    Track
    5
    Title
    No. 1. Hjertesar (The Wounded Heart)
    Duration
    03:17
    Composer
    Edvard Grieg
    Ensemble
    Australian Chamber Orchestra
    Conductor
    Richard Tognetti
  6. 6 No. 2. Varen (Last Spring) 04:30
    Track
    6
    Title
    No. 2. Varen (Last Spring)
    Duration
    04:30
    Composer
    Edvard Grieg
    Ensemble
    Australian Chamber Orchestra
    Conductor
    Richard Tognetti
  7. 7 Lyric Pieces, Book 3, Op. 43: No. 5. Erotic (arr. R. Tognetti for violin and string orchestra) 03:24
    Track
    7
    Title
    Lyric Pieces, Book 3, Op. 43: No. 5. Erotic (arr. R. Tognetti for violin and string orchestra)
    Duration
    03:24
    Composer
    Edvard Grieg
    Performer
    Richard Tognetti
    Ensemble
    Australian Chamber Orchestra
    Conductor
    Richard Tognetti
  8. 8 I. Prelude 02:40
    Track
    8
    Title
    I. Prelude
    Duration
    02:40
    Composer
    Edvard Grieg
    Ensemble
    Australian Chamber Orchestra
    Conductor
    Richard Tognetti
  9. 9 II. Sarabande 03:35
    Track
    9
    Title
    II. Sarabande
    Duration
    03:35
    Composer
    Edvard Grieg
    Ensemble
    Australian Chamber Orchestra
    Conductor
    Richard Tognetti
  10. 10 III. Gavotte 03:12
    Track
    10
    Title
    III. Gavotte
    Duration
    03:12
    Composer
    Edvard Grieg
    Ensemble
    Australian Chamber Orchestra
    Conductor
    Richard Tognetti
  11. 11 IV. Air 05:29
    Track
    11
    Title
    IV. Air
    Duration
    05:29
    Composer
    Edvard Grieg
    Ensemble
    Australian Chamber Orchestra
    Conductor
    Richard Tognetti
  12. 12 V. Rigaudon 03:42
    Track
    12
    Title
    V. Rigaudon
    Duration
    03:42
    Composer
    Edvard Grieg
    Ensemble
    Australian Chamber Orchestra
    Conductor
    Richard Tognetti