Duo Hayashi - Eduard Grieg & Bohuslav Martinů (Remastered) (1987/2023) [Official Digital Download 24/48]

The record coverts two musical centuries, the nineteenth and the twentieth, presenting two composers who epitomized European music of that period: Edvard Grieg and Bohuslav Martinu. These two figures shared common ground in that lived through the final stages of German romanticism and used its influence in their own works.

The Sonata for piano and cello, Op. 36 in A minor is by Grieg, a Norwegian musician who was in touch with the innovations which were current particularly in Austria with its legendary Viennese School. Grieg studied in Leipzig and was influenced by German music culture, even if he remained tied to traditional Norwegian romanticism. In his works he tried to avoid the adoption of popular themes from his own country, and for this reason he devised new transparent styles and orchestrations which adhere to the realities of the Norwegian “fin de siècle”. However, in spite of critical epithets and analysis, Grieg became a reference point in musical discussion in the nineteenth and twentieth century. He carefully avoided the larger symphonic forms, preferring to work at refining the medium of chamber music, which he found more fulfilling. His experience of his Nordic origin was idiosyncratic, enriched by subtle romanticism which presented an alternative to eighteenth century music. In the Sonata Op. 36, written between 1882-83, we find Grieg’s world, grandiose and already mature. The dualism between cello and piano Is highly effective, as the thematic search for particular colours and sonorities is reminiscent of the paintings of Renoir. The minor mode was one of Grieg’s favourites, and it is ideal vehicle for capturing the suffused images of his country. The most important factor which dominates the piece is the continual use of melodic snatches. Especially in the central section, this idea becomes increasingly articulated, suggesting links with a schumannesque world. The work is expansive in style and accomplished from a formal point of view, in that it achieves a break from conventional musical quartet style which is commonly considered to be a prerogative of Grieg’s. finally, the discerning contribution of the two instruments is proof of the great musicality of composer who has created a work of high quality…

Tracklist:
01. Grieg: Sonate für Klavier und Violoncello opus 36 A moll – La minuer – A minor, Allegro agitato
02. Grieg: Sonate für Klavier und Violoncello opus 36 A moll – La minuer – A minor, Andante molto tranquillo
03. Grieg: Sonate für Klavier und Violoncello opus 36 A moll – La minuer – A minor, Allegro – Allegro molto marcato
04. Martinu: Variations sur un thème de Rossini pour Violoncelle et Piano
05. Martinu: Variations sur un thème slovaque pour Violoncelle et Piano


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