Lars A. Bisgaard: Reflections

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Lars A. Bisgaard's upcoming album, "Reflections," set to release on October 11, 2024, under the Azure Sky label. This exquisite collection of compositions showcases Bisgaard's remarkable versatility and deep musical prowess, spanning a variety of styles and moods that will enchant and inspire.

The album opens with the serene and contemplative "Triptych," a three-movement work for piano and string orchestra that pays homage to the transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau. Each movement, from the gentle "Walking" to the lively "Being," offers a unique emotional landscape, reflecting the natural world and the human experience within it.

Following this is the "Hassler Variations," a set of eight variations for piano and string orchestra that build upon a theme by the Renaissance composer Hassler. These variations range from the hauntingly beautiful "Danse macabre" to the triumphant "Coda," demonstrating Bisgaard's ability to weave intricate and expressive narratives through his music.

The album also features the "Easy-going Variations on an Old Danish Folk Tune," a playful and inventive set of variations for guitar and piano. Each variation pays tribute to a different musical giant, from Brahms to Bartók, blending traditional folk melodies with classical sophistication.

Bisgaard's own compositions, such as the "Piano Sonata in E-Flat Major," further highlight his mastery of form and structure. Inspired by fragments and sketches by Ludwig van Beethoven, this sonata is a testament to Bisgaard's ability to breathe new life into classical traditions.

Rounding out the album are three fugues for solo piano, each showcasing Bisgaard's contrapuntal skill and his deep respect for the musical heritage of Beethoven. These pieces, from the majestic "Fugue in C Major" to the introspective "Fughetta sopra E - D - B," offer a profound and meditative conclusion to the album.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 2 minutes, "Reflections" is a rich and rewarding listening experience that will captivate classical music enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Lars A. Bisgaard's "Reflections" is not just an album; it's a journey through the depths of human emotion and the boundless possibilities of musical expression.