19 April 2017
|
Grieg
Editor Erica Worth chooses a favourite score from the current issue
Inside Pianist issue 93
The fourth book of Lyric Pieces from which this Melodie is drawn was first published in 1888. By then Grieg and his wife Nina had settled into the home at Troldhaugen which would be a refuge from the extensive foreign tours they gave together: he playing his own music, she singing his songs. This schedule led to a more cosmopolitan outlook, reflected in the German titles of the later Lyric Pieces.
This Lyric Piece is a personal favourite of mine. It evokes such a sad, nostalgic quality. Listen to this recording by the legendary Russian pianist Emil Gilels, and you’ll hear what I mean.
When learning it, try to emulate the still, introverted atmosphere which Gilels brings to it. Our house pianist Chenyin Li also plays it magically, and you can hear her account on the Pianist covermount CD that comes free with issue 95. There's also a step-by-step lesson on this piece inside!
Enjoy
Erica