![Dvořák’s Poetic Tone Pictures](https://assets.vpm.org/dims4/default/48a655e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1100x1100+0+0/resize/880x880!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fk1-prod-vpm.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F5b%2F82%2F660e3150417ba6df42c33cc21198%2Fpoetictonepictures.jpeg)
Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes recently released a new album on the Sony Classic label featuring the most substantial piano collection by Antonin Dvořák. Leif states "I have to say I think this is the great forgotten cycle of the 19th century piano music. Maybe those are big words, but I do feel that."
The 13 postcards for piano that make up Dvořák’s Poetic Tone Pictures were written in the Spring of 1889, and signal a shift in style from a composer moving away from formal constructions towards a more free, inspired aesthetic. I had the pleasure of discussing with Leif how these works show an entirely different side of Dvořák, mostly known for his symphonies and string quartets.
Dvorak: Poetic Tone Pictures, Op. 85 (II. Toying); Leif Ove Andsnes, piano
Dvorak: Poetic Tone Pictures, Op. 85 (IV. Spring Song); Leif Ove Andsnes, piano
Dvorak: Poetic Tone Pictures, Op. 85 (VIII. Goblins Dance); Leif Ove Andsnes, piano
Yours in good music,
Mike Goldberg
Classical Host, VPM Music