DESCRIPTION:
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Piano Concerto no. 1 in C major, op. 15, III. Rondo

Leif Ove Andsnes
Norwegian Chamber Orchestra,
Terje Tønnesen

Beethoven's five piano concertos progress from those which feature a soloist, accompanied by the orchestra, to concertos where the soloist and orchestra are two interwoven equal parts. Almost like a symphony with a piano obbligato. Beethoven established himself in Vienna as a piano soloist and improviser in the early 1790s, but it wasn't until some years later that he fully came out as a composer. Beethoven's first piano concerto is actually his second, and it demonstrates several influences from his time in Vienna, such as the light and elegant touch associated with Mozart and Haydn. It also has a more solid form, evident of his maturity. But perhaps the most interesting feature is the way in which he makes use of the orchestra. The woodwind section dominates behind the graceful piano part, a typical feature of his later symphonies.

LEIF OVE ANDSNES
The Wall Street Journal has called Leif Ove Andsnes "one of the most talented musicians of his generation". With his commanding technique and searching interpretations, Andsnes has won worldwide acclaim performing in the world's leading concert halls and with the foremost orchestras. In addition, he devotes much of his time on chamber music concerts and recordings. In 2011-12 season and beyond, Beethoven figures prominently in Leif Ove Andsnes concerto performances, recitals and recordings. Andsnes has been appointed as Music Director for the 66th Ojai Music Festival in 2012.

THE NORWEGIAN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Norwegian Chamber Orchestra (NCO) was established in 1977 by Terje Tønnesen and a group of young musicians who wanted to play in a small ensemble. As a freelance orchestra, their work gained immediate acclaim both nationally and internationally. For many years Iona Brown and Terje Tønnesen shared the position as artistic directors and their work has had a big impact on both the quality and the playing style of Norwegian string players. Brown left her position in 2002, and Leif Ove Andsnes (piano) continued to contribute to the orchestra´s international standard and reputation in the position as the orchestra's first guest conductor until 2010.

TERJE TØNNESEN
Terje Tønnesen is among Norway's leading violinists, and has a central position in Norwegian music circles. He is Artistic Director in Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra. Tønnesen has been particularly active in finding new ways of presenting classical music. He has received several international awards.

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