Jouni Somero - Palmgren: Complete Piano Works, Vol. 8 - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Selim Palmgren studied with Busoni and developed a formidable technique, later becoming one of the leading Nordic composer-pianists of his generation. This fourth volume of Palmgren's complete piano works reveals yet more remarkable contributions to 20th-century piano literature including one of his masterpieces, the Nocturne in Three Scenes, a compound of Impressionist and Romantic elements. His fruitful years in America are reflected by the jazz-influenced Three Fantasies and throughout one can hear examples of the beautiful folk-based music that is so much a feature of his compositions. Album Tracks 1. The Rushing of the Spring Brooklets, SP343 2. Valse D'amour, SP325 3. Nocturne in Three Scenes, Op. 72 4. 3 Fantasies, Op. 82 5. Triptych Op. 81 6. New Piano-Sketches, Op. 87 7. Small Romance, SP219 8. Festive Occasion, SP118 9. A Serious Incident, SP323 10. A Waltz of Longing and Other Piano Pieces, Op. 49 11. Spinning Song, Op. 76, No. 1 12. E´Tude in a Flat Major, Op. 76, No. 2 13. Lullaby, Op. 76, No. 3 14. E´Tude in a Minor, Op. 76, No. 4 15. Contradictions, Op. 76, No. 5 16. The Pinwheel, Op. 76, No. 6

Selim Palmgren was one of the most celebrated pianist-composers in the years before the end of the First World War. His vast catalogue of piano music, much of it unknown, is showcased in this acclaimed series performed by Jouni Somero, the Finnish composer's greatest modern exponent.This volume features the virtuosic and demanding Fantasie, Op. 6, one of Palmgren's most compelling works, as well as examples of music irradiated by Impressionism and Nordic folklore. Miniatures including études, waltzes, and pieces that exude Chopinesque charm are also featured. Album Tracks 1. Trios Humoresques, Op. 26 (1908) 2. Fantasie, Op. 6 (1900) 3. Four Pieces, Op.73 (1920-22) 4. Graciösa Rytmer (Graceful Rhythms), SP72 (1920 or Earlier) 5. Humoreski (Humoresque), SP90 (1907) 6. Humoreske (Humoresque), SP89 (1890) 7. Humoreske (Humoresque), SP88 (1896) 8. Harjoitelmia Ja Tunnelmia (Exercises and Moods), Op. 108 9. Versöhnung (Reconciliation), SP332 (1894) 10. Scherzo, SP246 (1893) 11. Intermezzo Valsant, Op. 65 (1918) 12. Spinnrocken (The Spinning Wheel), SP276 (1916) 13. Klanger Och Rytmer Op. 64 (Sounds and Rhythms), (Excerpts) (1918 or Earlier) 14. Nordischer Sommer Op. 39 (The Summer of the North), (1912-14?)

Selim Palmgren, a native of Finland and a student of Busoni, was one of the most prominent and prolific Nordic composer-pianists since Edvard Grieg, with works that were widely performed by some of the most notable concert pianists of his day. From early pieces influenced by Chopin via the tour de force of his only surviving Piano Sonata, to the darker Autumn Prologue - this is the first volume of a complete edition that includes première recordings of unpublished works, showcasing every side of Palmgren's varied character. Jouni Somero (b. 1963) is one of the most active performers among present Finnish musicians. He has given over 3,100 concerts in many countries worldwide. His wide repertoire includes all the solo piano works of Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky and Bortkiewicz, as well as seldom heard music by, among others, Alkan, Godowsky, Rubinstein, Reinhold, Godard, Cui and Gottschalk. Album Tracks 1. Souvenir de Chopin, SP274 2. Intermezzo, SP110 3. Aria, SP9 4. Prélude, Op. 1, No. 1 5. Illusion, Op. 1, No. 2 6. Étude, Op. 1, No. 3 7. 3 Klaverstycken, Op. 2 (3 Piano Pieces)~No. 1. Berceuse 8. 3 Klaverstycken, Op. 2 (3 Piano Pieces)~No. 2. Élégie 9. 3 Klaverstycken, Op. 2 (3 Piano Pieces)~No. 3. Vals-Intermezzo 10. Tuutulaulu (Cradle Song / Refrain de Berceau), version for piano 11. Syysproloogi, SP288 (Autumn Prologue) 12. Studie, SP281 13. Finnische Lyrik 12 Klavierstücke, Op. 22 (Finnish Lyric Pieces 12 Pieces for Piano)~No. 1. Ländliches Bild (Maalaiskuvaus / Pastorale) 14. Finnische Lyrik 12 Klavierstücke, Op. 22 (Finnish Lyric Pieces 12 Pieces for Piano)~No. 2. Finnische Volksweise (Suomalainen kansanlaulu / Popular Song of Finland) 15. Finnische Lyrik 12 Klavierstücke, Op. 22 (Finnish Lyric Pieces 12 Pieces for Piano)~No. 3. Paganini (Pieni harjoitelma / Little Study) 16. Finnische Lyrik 12 Klavierstücke, Op. 22 (Finni