Here is more fine Grieg from Bjarte Engeset and Naxos. The symphony isn’t terribly interesting or important, but this is a very charming performance featuring lively tempos and some sweetly beguiling wind playing from the Malmö Symphony Orchestra. Engeset expertly paces the Old Norwegian Romance with Variations, finding both coherence and contrast in a work that can very easily break up into little bits. He also digs into Sigurd Jorsalfar with plenty of gusto, and the final Hommage March is as vibrant as anyone could ask. Naxos captures it all in warm, natural sound. So if the coupling fits neatly into your collection, you can purchase this release without hesitation. [12/7/2007]
