This 2008 CPO recording of the complete piano works of Carl Nielsen by pianist
Christina Bjørkøe is technically solid and sympathetic to the great Danish modernist's shifting moods, but lacking in the kind of intensity and concentration that made previous issues by
Leif Ove Andsnes and
John Ogdon standouts in this repertoire.
Bjørkøe establishes her technical chops in the mighty Chaconne, Op. 32, the Theme and Variations, Op. 40, and the malevolent "Lucifer" Suite, Op. 45. She also brings character to the Piano Music for Young and Old, Op. 53, but
Bjørkøe's attention seems to waver in longer musical expanses and quiet passages don't sound as if they have her full interest. CPO's digital sound is too recessed to grant Nielsen's clean-cut music the clarity and lucidity it needs to succeed. In sum, these performances, though by no means poor, are recommended only to Nielsen collectors who have to have every recording of his music.