Hélène Grimaud's "Corigliano / Beethoven / Pärt 'Credo'" is a captivating classical album released in 2003 under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label. This album is a testament to Grimaud's virtuosity and her ability to traverse diverse musical landscapes, from the introspective minimalism of Arvo Pärt to the dramatic romanticism of Ludwig van Beethoven and the contemporary expressions of John Corigliano.
The album opens with Corigliano's "Fantasia on an Ostinato," a piece that showcases Grimaud's technical prowess and emotional depth. The centerpiece of the album is Beethoven's "Piano Sonata No. 17 in D Minor, Op. 31, No. 2 'The Tempest'," a work that Grimaud interprets with a sense of stormy intensity and delicate lyricism. The album also features live recordings from Sveriges Radio, Berwaldhallen, Stockholm, including Beethoven's "Fantasia for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra in C Minor, Op. 80" and Pärt's "Credo for Piano Solo, Mixed Choir and Orchestra," performed with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Esa-Pekka Salonen. These live performances capture the raw energy and communal spirit of classical music, offering a unique listening experience.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 8 minutes, this album is a journey through time and musical styles, highlighting Hélène Grimaud's versatility and the enduring power of classical music.