Norwegian triumvirate triumphs at the Barbican

By Roy Westbrook, 14 January 2022

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“with the first person speech of that poignant envoi Davidsen seemed to become the protagonist”

Reviewed at Barbican Hall, London on 13 January 2022

Grieg, Gruß Op.48 no. 1

Grieg, Dereinst, Gedanke mein Op.48 no. 2

Grieg, Lauf der Welt, Op.48 no.3

Grieg, Die Verschwiegene Nachtigall , Op.48 no.4

Grieg, Zur Rosenzeit, Op.48 no.5

Grieg, Ein Traum Op.48 no. 6

Grieg, Haugtussa (The Mountain Maid), Op.67

Strauss R., Ruhe, meine Seele, Op.27 no.1

Strauss R., Cäcilie, Op.27 no.2

Strauss R., Morgen! Op.27 no.4

Strauss R., Befreit (To set free), Op.39 no.4

Wagner, Wesendonck-Lieder

Strauss R., Zueignung (Dedication), Op.10 no.1

Grieg, Jeg elsker Dig (I love you), Op.5 no.3

Lise Davidsen, Soprano

Leif Ove Andsnes, Piano

Leif Ove Andsnes reveals the richness of small-scale forms

Edward Sava-Segal, 27th January

The Norwegian pianist assembles an intricate selection of fragments, aphorisms and character pieces for an intriguing New York recital.

****1

Resplendent Strauss from Canellakis and the Wiener Symphoniker

Mark Pullinger, 17th December

Leif Ove Andsnes joins the Vienna Symphony in the Musikverein's Golden Hall for a glowing account of Brahms’ Second Piano Concerto before a terrific Tod und Verklärung.

*****

A spectacular swansong for the Rosendal Chamber Music Festival

Nick Boston, 10th August

A fitting farewell for Leif Ove Andsnes' Rosendal Chamber Music Festival: imaginative programming and excellent performances in an inspiring setting.

*****

Hrůša and Andsnes lead a bright night for the Czech Philharmonic

Frank Kuznik, 24th April

With Jakub Hrůša on the podium and Leif Ove Andsnes at the keyboard, the orchestra offer glowing treatment of a dark program.

****1

Fine Rachmaninov from Edward Gardner and the LPO

Roy Westbrook, 28th September

Leif Ove Andsnes brings out the singing line of Rachmaninov's Third Piano Concerto before vocal soloists Kristina Mkhitaryan, Dmytro Popov and Kostas Smoriginas join the London Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra for The Bells.

****1

Monumental Romantic masterpieces from Andsnes and Honeck in Pittsburgh

Phillip Nones, 21st April

Franz Liszt and Manfred Honeck take us to the gates of Hell and back, while pianist Leif Ove Andsnes delivers poetry and polish in Rach 3.

****1

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Roy Westbrook

Roy Westbrook gained a diploma in music history at London University (Morley College) and was for some years the head of music day schools at Oxford University, where he also led music summer schools. After some years leading the University's business school he has returned to music teaching and writing, and recently took part in the Arts in Residence courses on Bruckner, Mahler and Bach He is co-author (with Terry Barfoot) of a history of opera, and has taught day schools on Sibelius in Oxford and elsewhere.

Norwegian triumvirate triumphs: Grieg, Lise Davidsen and Leif Ove Andsnes at the Barbican