EIVIND ALNÆS (1872-1932): Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 7, Piano Concerto in D, Op. 27.

Description: Well, Sterling got there first with both his symphonies (02L001) and Hyperion with the concerto (05I008) but a second interpretation after seven and ten years (respectively) can only help Alnæs’ reputation. Of the 1897 symphony, we said it “carries proudly its echoes of Tchaikovsky (especially his Fourth) while also prefiguring Rachmaninovian lyricism in its first movement second subject. Its adagio is the most Nordic movement of the work, with the character of a Swedish folk song.” and of the 1914 concerto “Very conservative, it contains audible reminders of both Brahms and Rachmaninov in its big first movement while the rapt Lento, which begins as a quasi-funeral march, is more original while the finale is a glittering tribute to the Viennese waltz.” Håvard Gimse (piano), Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra; Eivind Aadland.