Leif Ove Andsnes’ new Chopin album has been chosen as CD of the Week by Belgian National Radio (VRT) with the comments: “Leif Ove Andsnes combines the four ballads of Chopin with three of his nocturnes, and that seems a rather unusual and illogical combination. But what happens in the hands of this great pianist? The nocturnes gain in drama and strength, and the ballads gain a more lyrical and poetic character. And what beautiful playing from Andsnes again! So fluent, so refined and so profound. A great Chopin CD!”
BBC Rado 3’s flagship programme “Record Review” features the album on 22 September and other reviews just in include:
SWR Radio Germany: “Leif Ove Andsnes plays Chopin: clear and lucid, without being overblown, without excessive romanticism and rubati. Chopin, taken seriously, as the one he is: as a great narrator and soul searcher, as one who knows abysses and does not shrink away from them.”
NRK Radio Norway: “Brilliantly played, beautiful vocals, virtuoso and not least magnificent – just pain grandeur! It is magnificent music performed by one of today’s undisputed performers. What I liked best about this album is the calm that Andsnes gives this music. Therefore, the choice of night music pieces is correct and falls into place as a whole. Here is a lot to listen to and be impressed with. Just sit back and enjoy some of the best piano music ever written.”
Der Tagesspiegel, Germany: “Stop to hear Chopin: Ah, that sounds so clear, it shines so much! A really lovely recording, played with eagle wings, not with weepy little piano fingers.”