REFLECTIONS showcases the diverse and emotive compositions of Danish composer and educator Lars Aksel Bisgaard (b. 1947), featuring works written between 2014 and 2021. The centrepiece of the album is the Triptych for piano and string orchestra: ‘Walking. Passing. Being.’, which explores themes of time, joy, and existence. Another highlight is the ‘Hassler Variations’: a meditation on mortality presented through a theme and six variations, concluding with a serene choral. The delightful piano and guitar duet, ‘Easy-going variations on an Old Danish Folk tune’ pays homage to composers like Brahms, Beethoven, and Bartok. The four-movement piano sonata in E-flat major and two fugues for solo piano, are Beethoven-style pastiches constructed by using unfinished pieces from Beethoven’s sketchbooks.

Swedish pianist Carl Petersson, acclaimed for his ‘excellent pianism’ (Fanfare on ‘Contemporary Danish Piano Music’, GP717), delivers an authoritative performance of these varied and demanding works, many of which he premiered and are dedicated to him. He is joined by rising star guitarist Alan Liu and by the Iberian Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Melani Mestre. This world premiere recording offers listeners a comprehensive introduction to Bisgaard’s compositional output, showcasing his ability to blend historical influences with contemporary expression.