Edvard Grieg (1843-1907), Carl Nielsen (1865-1931) and Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) are generally recognized as the Nordic countries’ most important composers. Nielsen and Sibelius were both...

Edvard Grieg (1843-1907), Carl Nielsen (1865-1931) and Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) are generally recognized as the Nordic countries’ most important composers. Nielsen and Sibelius were both inspired and influenced in their early years by Grieg’s music. Their idiom was strongly Romantic, but they managed to create a distinct “Nordic Sound” in which national elements combined with the broader European tradition. This album not only shows this, but also probes the way they were inspired by one another. Moreover, the works on this release are among the artists’ personal favorites, with a Northern Timbre they feel resonates, no matter where you are. Ragnhild Hemsing and Tor Espen Aspaas began playing as regular recital partners in 2010 in preparation for the recording of Ragnhild’s debut album, which featured works by Norwegian composers in addition to traditional folk music played on a Hardanger fiddle. This musical partnership has subsequently been consolidated with numerous concerts, tours, recordings and broadcasts both in and outside of Norway. The two musicians have also guested each other’s chamber music festivals-respectively the Hemsing Festival in Aurdal/Valdres and the Winter Chamber Music Festival in Roros- and collaborated on new projects as part of the festival programmes.