What better way to celebrate the centenary of Norway in 2005 than to present the music written by our five greatest orchestral composers in the national romantic tradition. Five different composers merging national and international inspiration in their music. This is the `Heartland' of our classical orchestral tradition, presented in new and sparkling performances by one of the top orchestras in the world

There is no question that the arts where extremely important in the movement that brought Norway out of its union with Sweden in 1905. In 2005 it seems appropriate to look back and give a coherent musical image of the national consciousness that was prevailing before and around 1905, and had great impact on the generations to come. From Svendsen, Grieg and Halvorsen to Sæverud and Tveitt: it is the sound of Norwegian stone, mountains, soil and landscapes.

These are five composers with strong individual profiles and characteristics - very different in their expression, but with this unmistakable Norwegian attribute as an inspirational driving force audible in their music. They all relate in one way or another to the Norwegian folk musical tradition. Incorporating and developing themes as Svendsen, Grieg and Halvorsen does, collecting and expanding tunes within and orchestral spectrum as does Tveitt, or hooking on to the very spirit behind the folk music in Sæverud's fashion. This music holds a multitude of different moods and experiences, just like the country itself.

Pianist Sigurd Slåttebrekk has had striking success with his two releases of piano music (Ravel and Schumann) and here he gives a reading of the Grieg piano concerto worthy of a centenary celebration! Inspired by Percy Grainger's notes from his meetings with Grieg and the edition he prepared with the composer's blessing, Slåttebrekk kindles some of the original élan and freshness of this familiar concerto. Soprano Isa Katharina Gericke gives a moving performance as Solveig in Sæverud's music to Peer Gynt. Arve Moen Bergset, renowned singer, violinist and Hardangerfiddler, performs the traditional stevs (songs) that Tveitt makes use of in his Hardanger tunes.

Personnel:
Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, Michail Jurowski - (conductor), Sigurd Slåttebrekk - (piano), Arve Moen Bergset - (piano), Isa Katharina Gericke - (soprano)