What’s in the Box
‘Nicolas Horvath’s performance is light, fluid and impresses with unaffected simplicity, which is especially beneficial to the slow movements.’
– Pizzicato ★★★★★
Sonnatte in A minor: II. Allégro con motto
Sonata No. 6 in D minor: II. Allegro
‘This is music that is at times charming, at times “meaty” and direct, often full of overflowing notes, but it is very well constructed and intriguing, reminiscent of the music of her contemporary Muzio Clementi. We salute the (tireless) commitment of Nicolas Horvath for this more than interesting recording.’
– Musique classique & Co.
Trois Sonates Pour le Forte-Piano, Œuvre Première : Sonata I in F major
Terza Sonata in A minor
‘Kostritsa’s work in collecting these dances is commendable, as is his approach. …these works are pleasing.’
– American Record Guide
‘Agathe Backer Grøndahl (1847–1907) was a brilliant composer and one of the cornerstones in the golden era of Norwegian classical music. George Bernard Shaw proclaimed her one of the century’s greatest pianists, yet she remains unknown for most people today. I am thrilled to be able to present this album, showing the world the wide array of Backer Grøndahl’s wonderfully poetic, virtuoso, and colourful piano works.
The project started when I had just finished a round of concerts with her music, and we went into the second COVID lockdown in Norway in November 2020. I decided to go into studio with film maker Pierluca Taranta. Together with sound engineer Aksel Jensen, we recorded and filmed a few of Backer Grøndahl’s works. I realised the recordings could make a whole album, and I went back to Newtone studio in April and September the following year. This project was a very encouraging and revitalising one, during a challenging time.’
– Sara Aimée Smiseth
‘Alexandra Oehler plays with sensitive phrasing and skillful voicing. Her refined musical sensibility is just right for this repertory. The recording, like the music, is warm and inviting.’
– American Record Guide
‘His [Giorgio Koukl] technique is so pristine that a listener quickly takes it for granted, and after hearing him, what one remembers most of all is his sheer musicality! His sense of touch, articulation, phrasing, and use of tone colors and vast contrast in dynamics are remarkable.’
– The Kapralova Society Journal
‘Ekanayaka has found musical expressions for moods that cannot be put into words and which reach back before the dawn of history. Warmly recommended.’
– Fanfare
‘An illuminating programme of piano music spanning almost 300 years. And all of it by women. It’s a terrific recording, with exceptional performances.’
– WTJU
BON, A.: Keyboard Sonata in B flat major, Op. 2, No. 2
PEJAČEVIĆ, D.: Blumenleben (‘Life of Flowers’), Op. 19 – No. 5. Rose (1904–05)
