Grieg: Piano Music, Vol. 3

Some of Grieg's most attractive piano music is included in this third volume from the Naxos series, including his most impressive large-scale work for solo piano, the Ballade (actually a set of variations). Except for the "Norwegian Bridal Procession from Pictures from Life in the Country, the remaining music will be unfamiliar to the average listener. But these miniatures are mostly fine examples of mature Grieg, and even the early poetic tone-pictures are lovely. Thoroughly convincing performances from the excellent Einar Steen-Nøkleberg, and very detailed and useful program notes complete a wonderful bargain package. --Leslie Gerber