You’re going to love this disc. It does everything this wonderful series of “Romantic Piano Concertos” is supposed to: present captivating repertoire in excellent performances. Christian Sinding was a notoriously spotty composer when working in large forms. After all, if you live well into your 80s writing tons of music along the way, but remain famous for one three-minute piano miniature (“Rustle of Spring”), then something’s not right. That said, this youthful concerto offsets its tendency to ramble with an abundance of fresh, enjoyable tunes and fistfuls of pianistic fun and games. When the melodies are so attractive it’s impossible to deny Sinding his right to dwell on them at length.
Eyvind Alnaes was one of those composer/performer/administrators whose busy schedule prevented him from writing much music, but thank God he turned out this piano concerto. Scored for a massive orchestra with an enormous brass section (six trombones!), the piece is, believe it or not, actually rather light and vivacious, except for those moments when the full ensemble really cuts loose. The finale, a free-flowing waltz, would be a “pops” favorite if the scoring weren’t so extravagant. It’s just the kind the music you’ll want to enjoy on disc because you’ll never hear it live: a big, juicy, Wagnerian love-fest between the soloist and the orchestra that leaves you wanting more. Piers Lane plays both concertos with a confidence that belies their unfamiliarity, and you know that Andrew Litton and the Bergen orchestra will do their bit like real pros. Excellent sound completes the picture. A genuine find! [6/13/2007]
