Ketil Hvoslef: Piano Concerto; Ein Traumspiel; Barabbas

Leif Ove Andsnes and the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra pay tribute to the prolific Norwegian composer Ketil Hvoslef. Three works for orchestra, headed by the outstanding piano concerto, comprises a grand album celebrating the composer’s 80th anniversary.

Throughout his career, Hvoslef has had a close relation to the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra with numerous commissions and premiere performances. When describing Andsnes’ playing, Hvoslef says: “He is so clear and plays so precisely. And my music is dependent on extreme precision. It is almost manic and I can’t do anything about that. So, I could never have found anyone better than him to play it! He understands how necessary precision is. That perhaps sounds prosaic to others, but for me it means a great deal.”

When Gullberg Jensen took over as Chief Conductor for Norddeutsche Rundfunk Sinfonieorchester in 2009, he wanted to ‘bring something from home’ resulting in ‘Ein Traumspiel’. The orchestral work ‘Barabbas opera without singers’, is rooted in the opera by the same name, with excerpts of the opera libretto displayed on a text machine placed over the podium.

With his commanding technique and searching interpretations, the celebrated Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes has won international acclaim, playing concertos and recitals in the world’s leading concert halls and with its foremost orchestras, while building an esteemed and extensive discography. The Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra is a Norwegian national orchestra and one of the oldest in the world, dating back to 1765. It is held in high regard internationally through their extensive touring, recordings and streaming service Bergenphilive, as well as international commissions. On this album they are led by their Chief Conductor Edward Gardner, Juanjo Mena and Eivind Gullberg Jensen.