Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Edvard Grieg's "Music For Strings," a captivating collection of orchestral masterpieces that showcases the composer's unparalleled ability to evoke emotion and atmosphere through his music. Released in 2000 under the Maestoso label, this album is a celebration of Grieg's enduring legacy in the classical music world.
The album opens with the enchanting "Holberg Suite, Op. 40," a work originally composed for piano but later re-orchestrated for string orchestra in 1885. This suite is a tribute to the 18th-century Norwegian playwright Ludvig Holberg and includes five movements: Prelude, Sarabande, Gavotte, Air, and Rigaudon. Each movement is a gem in its own right, showcasing Grieg's mastery of form and his ability to blend traditional dance forms with his unique compositional voice.
Following the Holberg Suite, the album presents the "Serenade For Strings," a sophisticated and uncomplicated composition that highlights Grieg's ability to create beautiful, melodic lines that resonate with listeners. The serenade is divided into four movements: Vivace, Andantino, Allegro moderato, and Lento, each offering a different mood and tempo.
The album also includes the "Passacaille For String Orchestra," a work that demonstrates Grieg's skill in handling larger orchestral forms. This piece is a testament to Grieg's ability to create music that is both technically demanding and emotionally resonant.
The album concludes with "Adagio For Strings, Op. 11," a work that showcases Grieg's ability to create music that is both deeply moving and deeply personal. This piece is a testament to Grieg's ability to create music that speaks to the heart and soul.
Performed by the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Ole Kristian Ruud, this album is a testament to the enduring power of Grieg's music. The orchestra's playing is impeccable, bringing out the full richness and depth of Grieg's compositions. Whether you are a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, "Music For Strings" is an album that is sure to captivate and inspire.
2000 Maestoso2000 Maestoso
Tracks
Holburg Suite, Op. 40: I. PreludeEdvard Grieg, Lennox Berkeley, Frank Martin, Paul Hindemith, Samuel Barber, Karl Münchinger, Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra
Holburg Suite, Op. 40: II. SarabandeEdvard Grieg, Lennox Berkeley, Frank Martin, Paul Hindemith, Samuel Barber, Karl Münchinger, Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra
Holburg Suite, Op. 40: III. GavotteEdvard Grieg, Lennox Berkeley, Frank Martin, Paul Hindemith, Samuel Barber, Karl Münchinger, Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra
Holburg Suite, Op. 40: IV. AirEdvard Grieg, Lennox Berkeley, Frank Martin, Paul Hindemith, Samuel Barber, Karl Münchinger, Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra
Holburg Suite, Op. 40: V. RigaudonEdvard Grieg, Lennox Berkeley, Frank Martin, Paul Hindemith, Samuel Barber, Karl Münchinger, Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra
Serenade For Strings: I. VivaceEdvard Grieg, Lennox Berkeley, Frank Martin, Paul Hindemith, Samuel Barber, Karl Münchinger, Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra
Serenade For Strings: II. AndantinoEdvard Grieg, Lennox Berkeley, Frank Martin, Paul Hindemith, Samuel Barber, Karl Münchinger, Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra
Serenade For Strings: III. Allegro moderatoEdvard Grieg, Lennox Berkeley, Frank Martin, Paul Hindemith, Samuel Barber, Karl Münchinger, Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra
Serenade For Strings: IV. LentoEdvard Grieg, Lennox Berkeley, Frank Martin, Paul Hindemith, Samuel Barber, Karl Münchinger, Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra
Passacaille For String OrchestraEdvard Grieg, Lennox Berkeley, Frank Martin, Paul Hindemith, Samuel Barber, Karl Münchinger, Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra
Das Neue Werk, No. 4, Op. 44: Five Pieces For String OrchestraEdvard Grieg, Lennox Berkeley, Frank Martin, Paul Hindemith, Samuel Barber, Karl Münchinger
Adagio For Strings, Op. 11Edvard Grieg, Lennox Berkeley, Frank Martin, Paul Hindemith, Samuel Barber, Karl Münchinger, Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra