Leif Ove Andsnes Essentials

Leif Ove Andsnes Essentials

Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes made his professional debut in Oslo in 1987, but his records feel like he's been working on this music for half a century. A Grieg specialist, his recordings of works like “Heimweh” from the 6 Lyric Pieces are pensive and tentative, finding profundity in the space between the notes. As a natural collaborator, Andsnes' Rach 2 with the Berlin Philharmonic is dramatic and fiery, capturing the spirit of the Russian virtuoso's complex writing; equally adept at the solo repertoire, his Chopin (Piano Sonata No. 2) ebbs and flows with a delicate elegance.