ERKKI MELARTIN (1875-1937): The Solo Piano Works - Chips I, Op. 7, Legend II, Op. 12, The Melancholy Garden, Op. 52, 5 Lyric Pieces, Op. 59, The Mysterious Forest, Op. 118, 6 Pieces, Op. 123, 24 Preludes, Op. 85, Noli me tangere, Op. 87, Legend I, Op. 6, Fantasia apocalipticia, Op. 111.

Description: Back in 1988 Ondine released a single disc of Melartin's music with, oddly enough, several items which are not included on a disc with such a title as listed above. No matter, if you are unfamiliar with this Finnish composer's piano music (you may know his symphonic music thanks also to Ondine), plunge into this mid-price offering to discover his unique combination of Nordic lyricism à la Grieg, late Romanticism with a lighter, Gallic flavor and, in such late works as the Fantasia of 1920, a touch of Russian modernism. Bracing and totally enjoyable stuff! 2 CDs for the price of 1. Maria Lettberg (piano).