Balazs Szokolay - Grieg: Lyric Pieces Vol. 3 (1992)

The third volume in Balázs Szokolay's complete series of the Lyric Pieces for piano offers a representative sampling from the ten sets Grieg published between 1867 and 1901. Listeners unacquainted with these picturesque miniatures may be struck immediately by their sentimentality and almost naïve simplicity, features that contributed greatly to their easy acceptance as salon pieces. By paying close attention to their harmonic subtleties and idiosyncratic forms, however, one may also detect the strong influence of Schumann, particularly in such quirky examples as Det var engang (Once Upon a Time) and Bestemors menuet (Grandmother's Minuet). Most of these pieces could be considered reveries, such as Bådnlåt (At the Cradle) and Heimweh (Homesickness), though there are occasional displays of fireworks, as heard in the Scherzo and Tungsind (Melancholy), or lighthearted energy, as in the Fransk serenade and Hjemad (Homeward). While the Lyric Pieces are not Grieg's most ambitious compositions, their modest scale provided the composer many opportunities for charming, intimate expression. Szokolay honestly expresses the romanticism of these poetic works, yet his meticulous playing and spare use of rubato prevents the music from seeming saccharine or languid. The recorded sound is fairly close to the performer, adding substantially to the the music's private quality.