I readily admit that I rarely write about composer Jean Sibelius. The singular exception is, of course, when I share something about the Sinelius Violin Concerto…
Today, however, I want to mention Sibelius’ rarely heard piano music.
On this recording we get to listen to Leif Ove Andsnes, who is one of the world’s leading pianists, and winner of the BBC Music Magazine Award for Recording of the Year, 2015.
His new album is a personal selection of Jean Sibelius’ unknown and remarkably beautiful piano compositions.
Andsnes sees himself on a mission to present the neglected repertoire of the Finnish composer: “I’m really passionate about his piano music, which is so beautiful and haunting. How can there be a major composer out there with such accessible music that people don’t know. The fact that many will be hearing it for the first time, that’s a wonderful feeling.”
Here is Mr. Andsnes, speaking about and playing the music of Jean Sibelius:
