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