“The symphony performance under Eivind Aadland has everything you would hope for: lots of energy and excitement, with a very fine, well-prepared orchestra.” (American Record Guide) The complete edition of Edvard Grieg’s symphonic works with the WDR Symphony Orchestra under Eivind Aadland is now available as a 5 SACD boxed set.

This edition is especially convincing thanks to the authentic approach of the Norwegian Eivind Aadland. Vol. 1 and 2 are dedicated to the original orchestral works, whilst Vol. 3 contains a portion of the transcriptions of works that Grieg had originally composed for the piano. He then orchestrated them, having become a popular composer and conductor, in order to have more symphonic material at his disposal. Not infrequently, the transcriptions surpass the originals in terms of fullness and richness of colour. Vol. 4 of this series combines Grieg’s most popular work with his least known piece: whilst the Piano Concerto in A minor was the 25-year-old composer’s breakthrough to international fame, he had decided to withdraw his symphony, written only a few years previously. Yet every page of the score – despite overt influences of Schumann, Gade and Mendelssohn – convinces, thanks to Grieg’s youthful inspiration and superb invention. The concluding Vol. 5 of the complete recording of Edvard Grieg’s orchestral works reveals a less familiar side of the Norwegian national composer: as arranger of his own lyrical and patriotic songs, surrounded by elegiac and dance-like melodies.