Incidental music to Peer Gynt

"Overall, whilst not entirely replacing versions by Beecham and Øivin Fjeldstad, Gardner must be considered a first choice for the complete Peer Gynt score, and in addition there is Jean-Efflam Bavouzet in the Piano Concerto. He plays with virtuosity and sensitivity but only truly gets to the heart of this work in the slow movement, which is very responsive and very moving".

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"Gardner and the splendid team tackle the whole work [Peer Gynt] with all the verve and drama one could possible want ... But perhaps most illuminating is the contribution of Håkon Høgemo on the Hardanger fiddle, giving pithy insight into the extent of Norwegian folk music's influence ... [The Concerto] scrubs up fresh and energetic in the hands of Jean-Efflam Bavouzet ... There's no need to reinvent this well-oiled wheel, and Bavouzet, Gardner and the orchestra embrace it just the way it is. In their extrovert interpretation it's all fire and ice, its terrific Romantic sweep and relishable virtuosity matched with satisfying, poetic introspection".