© History image collection / Finnish Heritage Agency
SELIM PALMGREN, c. 1920
Selim Palmgren’s piano miniatures were extremely popular during his lifetime and were played by the great virtuosos of the day. The sixth volume in this acclaimed series presents a panorama of Palmgren’s works and includes two of his greatest and most important solo pieces – the suite
Ungdom, Op. 28 laced with Impressionist and Finnish folk elements, and the
Three Piano Pieces, Op. 54 which includes
Raindrops and
Moonlight, two of his best-known and most atmospheric works. Also included are Lisztian virtuoso studies, Hungarian evocations, and a beautiful, moving
Prélude funèbre that was played at Palmgren’s own funeral. Jouni Somero, Palmgren’s greatest modern exponent, continues his historic survey of piano music by one of Finland’s most respected and admired composers.