Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Edvard Grieg's "Wonderland," a captivating album released on September 9, 2016, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label. This exquisite collection showcases Grieg's timeless mastery, blending the grandeur of his Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16, with the delicate beauty of his Lyric Pieces.
The album opens with a live performance of Grieg's Piano Concerto in A Minor, a piece celebrated for its rich, romantic melodies and intricate orchestration. Following this, the Lyric Pieces take center stage, offering a journey through Grieg's evocative compositions. Each piece, from the whimsical "Butterfly" to the poignant "Solveig's Song," reveals Grieg's unique ability to capture the essence of nature and human emotion.
Alice Sara Ott's return to the Royal Scottish National Orchestra brings a fresh and dynamic energy to these performances. Her interpretation of Grieg's works is both sensitive and powerful, making this album a standout in the classical genre. The inclusion of piano arrangements from the Peer Gynt Suites adds an extra layer of depth and variety, ensuring that this album is a comprehensive exploration of Grieg's genius.
With a duration of just over an hour and nine minutes, "Wonderland" is a perfect blend of orchestral and solo piano pieces that will captivate both seasoned classical enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Whether you're drawn to the dramatic intensity of the Piano Concerto or the lyrical charm of the Lyric Pieces, this album is a testament to Edvard Grieg's enduring legacy and the brilliance of Alice Sara Ott's artistry.
Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16: I. Allegro molto moderato - LiveEdvard Grieg, Alice Sara Ott, Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Esa-Pekka Salonen
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16: II. Adagio - LiveEdvard Grieg, Alice Sara Ott, Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Esa-Pekka Salonen
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16: III. Allegro moderato molto e marcato - LiveEdvard Grieg, Alice Sara Ott, Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Esa-Pekka Salonen
Lyric Pieces, Book 10, Op. 71: No. 1, Once upon a TimeEdvard Grieg, Alice Sara Ott
Lyric Pieces, Book 3, Op. 43: No. 1, ButterflyEdvard Grieg, Alice Sara Ott
Lyric Pieces, Book 1, Op. 12: No. 7, Album LeafEdvard Grieg, Alice Sara Ott
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55: IV. Solveig's Song (Arr. for Piano)Edvard Grieg, Alice Sara Ott
Lyric Pieces, Book 1, Op. 12: No. 4, Fairy DanceEdvard Grieg, Alice Sara Ott
Lyric Pieces, Book 3, Op. 43: No. 6, To SpringEdvard Grieg, Alice Sara Ott
Lyric Pieces, Book 5, Op. 54: No. 3, March of the TrollsEdvard Grieg, Alice Sara Ott
Lyric Pieces, Book 5, Op. 54: No. 4, NotturnoEdvard Grieg, Alice Sara Ott
Lyric Pieces, Book 7, Op. 62: No. 4, BrookletEdvard Grieg, Alice Sara Ott
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: IV. In the Hall of the Mountain King (Arr. for Piano)Edvard Grieg, Alice Sara Ott
Lyric Pieces, Book 8, Op. 65: No. 5, BalladEdvard Grieg, Alice Sara Ott
Lyric Pieces, Book 8, Op. 65: No. 6, Wedding Day at TroldhaugenEdvard Grieg, Alice Sara Ott
Lyric Pieces, Book 10, Op. 71: No. 3, PuckEdvard Grieg, Alice Sara Ott
Lyric Pieces, Book 1, Op. 12: No. 5, Folk SongEdvard Grieg, Alice Sara Ott