
– A Nordic poetic sentiment that is reflected through the endlessly clear technique, listening closely to the “voice” of the work –
(Promotion text by ALM Records)
An anthology that takes a view of Finnish piano music from the early 20th century to the present. Eriko Takahashi, who is active in a wide range of fields, including performances of modern and contemporary pieces and premieres of new works, mainly in Japan and Europe, has been introduced in a Finnish music magazine and is highly trusted by contemporary Finnish composers such as Nieminen and Romppanen. In addition to recent works including two pieces that she premiered herself, this album includes works by Kokkonen, whose piano works have been reevaluated in Finland in recent years, Madetoja, a beloved disciple of Sibelius, and Palmgren, who is also known as the “Chopin of the Nordic countries.
Contents
1-5 Joonas Kokkonen: Pielavesi Suite (1939)
6-8 Leevi Madetoja: The Garden of Death (1919)
9-10 Kai Nieminen: The Smile of the Flamboyant Wings (2016)
11 Ari Romppanen: Erakis (2016-2017) [World Premiere Recording]
12-14 Selim Palmgren: Nocturnes in Three Scenes (1921)
15 Ari Romppanen: Sandbox of Almach (2019–2020) [World Premiere Recording]
Eriko Takahashi, piano
Recorded at Gotanda Cultural Center Hall, 6-8 August 2024
Released on 7 March 2025
Label: ALM Records
Available also on Spotify and Apple Music etc.