Poetry and politics: Leif Ove Andsnes at the Firkušný Festival

Leif Ove Andsnes

By Frank Kuznik, 08 November 2022

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“traced a compelling emotional arc brimming with kaleidoscopic imagery”

Reviewed at Rudolfinum: Dvořák Hall, Prague on 5 November 2022

Vustin, Lamento

Janáček, Piano Sonata 1. X. 1905 "From the Street"

Silvestrov, Bagatelle no.3

Beethoven, Piano Sonata no. 8 in C minor "Pathétique", Op.13

Dvořák, Poetické nálady (Poetic Tone Pictures) for piano, Op.85

Sæverud, Ballad of Revolt (Kjempeviseslåtten), Op.22 no.5

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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Frank Kuznik

Frank Kuznik is the former Editor-in-Chief and Culture Editor of The Prague Post, Central Europe’s premier English-language weekly newspaper. He currently divides his time between Prague and his hometown in the US, Cleveland, where he covers northeast Ohio's dynamic classical music scene. In Prague he is an habitué of the Rudolfinum, National Theater, State Opera and other storied classical music venues, and an unabashed fan of Czech music.