About this episode
Norwegian pianist and conductor Leif Ove Andsnes has been called “one of the most gifted musicians of his generation” by The Wall Street Journal . He has won worldwide acclaim, eleven Grammys nominations, and six Gramophone Awards. In 2012, Andnses partnered with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra for an ambitious multi-year project titled “The Beethoven Journey,” performing all five piano concertos in 15 countries across three continents. Recently, Andsnes and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra collaborated on their second multi-year project, “Mozart Momentum 1785/86,” exploring one of the most creative and productive periods of the composer’s career. Leif Ove Andsnes tells Alec about how the piano is his first language, how he prepares before a concert and what he feels all great pianists have in common. You can listen to all of the music from this episode and other selections from Leif Ove Andsnes in a curated playlist here . The following compositions are featured in this episode: Grieg: Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 – 1st movement - Allegro Molto Moderato Leif Ove Andsnes (piano); Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Mariss Jansons (With the kind permission of Warner Classics) Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 73 "Emperor" : I. Allegro, Leif Ove Andsnes (piano) (With the kind permission of Sony Classical) Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 - 3rd movement – Allegro scherzando Leif Ove Andsnes (piano); Berliner Philharmonic Orchestra, Antonio Pappano (With the kind permission of Warner Classics) Janáček: On The Overgrown Path Series 1 - JW 8/17: I. Our evenings (Moderato - Adagio) Leif Ove Andsnes (piano); Mahler Chamber Orchestra (With the kind permission of Warner Classics) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.