Like Vol. 1 of Audite's survey of Edvard Grieg's complete symphonic music, Vol. 2 cleverly combines familiar with more obscure. The part of familiar is filled by the Holberg Suite for string orchestra. It is curious that this should be one of Grieg's most well-known works as the composer was intentionally subduing the folkloric and nationalistic characteristics that defined him in favor of capturing the feeling of a Baroque dance suite. The majority of the remaining works on the album focus on Grieg's own transcriptions for string orchestra of his popular (in Norway) songs. The omission of the text from these songs has little impact on Grieg's unmistakable idiom, folksy charm, and rhythmic vitality. Performed by the
WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln under veteran Scandinavian conductor
Eivind Aadland, these works spring to life through Audite's rich, vibrant sound; spaciousness and extraordinary detail are especially noticeable on the album's SACD layer.
Aadland's upbringing surrounded by Grieg's music is obvious in the natural, almost effortless way that he guides the orchestra, drawing out the elegant, vocal qualities of the compositions while simultaneously highlighting the rhythms and harmonies that characterize Grieg's folk popularity. The orchestra's strings play with warmth and clarity and an exceptional dynamic range.