Russian-American pianist Vladimir Feltsman’s new album presents a comprehensive survey of Edvard Grieg’s Lyric Pieces, drawing on a long personal connection to the music. Multiple reviews describe the set as both authoritative and interpretively imaginative, tracing Feltsman’s interest back to his childhood in Moscow and an early piano teacher who introduced him to the works. Reviewers characterize his approach as flexible and responsive, emphasizing nuanced timing and phrasing that brings out the character of individual pieces.
The reporting highlights how Feltsman treats Grieg not simply as writing occasional “salon” music, but as a composer with broader stylistic range and influences. Specific examples mentioned include Feltsman’s performance of Book I’s “Arietta,” praised for a lively, expressive use of rubato. Other tracks are described as evoking different composers or traditions: a “Nocturne” is likened to Chopin in character, a “Scherzo” is compared to Saint-Saëns, and a “Nordic Valse-Impromptu” is presented as distinctly Grieg while reflecting a wider European feel.
Overall, sources agree the album stands out for its interpretive depth across the collection.
