Russian-American pianist Vladimir Feltsman's comprehensive survey of Edvard Grieg's Lyric Pieces, released on the Nimbus label, is both revelatory and authoritative. The album, which draws on Feltsman's lifelong affection for these works, offers a fresh perspective that elevates them beyond their reputation as charming but lightweight salon pieces.
A Lifelong Connection
Feltsman's relationship with the Lyric Pieces began in his childhood in Moscow, where his first piano teacher, EM Timakin, introduced him to these miniatures. This early exposure has culminated in a recording that reflects over 60 years of interpretative wisdom, resulting in a set that abounds with imagination and insight.
The pianist approaches Grieg's music with a probing flexibility, as if interpreting Schumann, which transforms these pieces into something more substantial. For instance, the famous Arietta from Book I responds eagerly to Feltsman's supple rubato, bringing out its lyrical depth.
Cosmopolitan Influences and Theatrical Flair
Feltsman also highlights Grieg's cosmopolitan influences, with a Nocturne that evokes Chopin, a Scherzo reminiscent of Saint-Saëns, and a Nordic Valse-Impromptu that is unmistakably Grieg. These interpretations showcase the composer's wide-ranging musical language.
Up-tempo showpieces are rendered with theatrical flair. Book II's Leaping Dance is a lively, skipping caper, while his Hallings—those fast-paced Norwegian folk dances—are full of pungent harmonies and earthy rhythms. Feltsman's March of the Trolls, steadier than most, builds a menacing momentum comparable to a Mussorgsky picture.
Quiet Jewel and Lasting Impact
However, it is in the quieter pieces—such as Melancholy, Homesickness, and the late Summer Evening—where Feltsman's lightness of touch and pristine articulation truly shine. These moments are the jewels of the album, offering delicate beauty and emotional resonance.
For authority and inspiration, Feltsman can stand alongside pianists like Gilels and Andsnes, yet he makes entirely individual choices. The recording is bright and the pieces are played almost without breaks, creating a continuous flow that keeps the listener engaged. These consistently surprising accounts make you fall in love with Grieg's endearing miniatures all over again.
The album is available on Apple Music and Spotify, inviting listeners to explore Feltsman's masterful interpretation of these timeless works.
