Heino Eller: Complete Piano Music, Volume Seven
The piano music of the Estonian composer Heino Eller (1887–1970), a total of 206 works, is not only the largest part of his output: it is also the largest body of works in Estonian classical music. But most of these pieces are unknown, even though the best of them are original contributions to the piano repertoire of the twentieth century, with Eller’s sensitive lyricism underpinned by gentle humour and an occasional epic tone. This seventh volume brings music from half a century, from 1912 to 1961– mostly miniatures but each of them full of atmosphere and personality.
Sten Lassmann, piano
Listen To This Recording:
- Moderato in A minor (1912)
- Allegretto – poco moderato in F sharp minor (1913)
- Allegretto in F sharp minor (1913)
- Andantino in B minor (1913)
- Tempo di marcia in F sharp minor (1939)
- No. 1 Moderato, B minor
- No. 2 Lento assai, A major
- No. 3 Sostenuto, espressivo, C sharp minor
- No. 4 Allegretto capriccioso, B major
- No. 5 Sostenuto, C sharp minor
- Andante sostenuto in G major (1910s)
- Intermezzo in G minor (1943)
- Allegro animato in F minor
- Romanze in B flat major (1950–60)
- Allegro animato in D sharp minor (1939)
- Elegiac Dance (1921)
- No. 1 Kurb laul (ʻSad Song’)
- No. 2 Hommikul (ʻIn the Morning’)
- No. 3 Tantsuhoos (ʻDancing’)
- No. 4 Rahvaviis (ʻFolk Tune’)
- No. 5 Mängurõõm (ʻJoy of Playing’)
- No. 6 Igatsus (ʻYearning’)
- No. 7 Lastelaul (ʻChildrens’ Song’)
- No. 8 Karjamaal (ʻOn the Pasture’)
- No. 9 Unelm (ʻDream’)
- No. 10 Tantsulugu (ʻDancing pieces’)
- No. 11 Meenutus (ʻRecollection’)
- No. 12 Kapriis (ʻCaprice’)
Five Preludes (1932–34)*
Twelve Bagatelles (1961)**
ALL EXCEPT * FIRST RECORDINGS
** FIRST DIGITAL RECORDING
Opus Klassiek :
‘Pianist Sten Lassmann heeft zich voor de gigantisch taak gesteld om het complete piano-oeuvre op te nemen en slaagt daar voortreffelijk in. Ieder deel is ingericht als een recital, waarbij gezorgd is voor onderlinge samenhang naar toonsoort zowel als karakter. Lassmann zorgde zelf voor de uitstekende toelichting. Een welverdiend labour of love.’
English translation:
‘Pianist Sten Lassmann has taken on the monumental task of recording the complete piano oeuvre and succeeds admirably. Each movement is structured as a recital, ensuring coherence in both key and character. Lassmann himself provided the excellent commentary. A well-deserved labor of love.’
—Siebe Riedstra, Opus Klassiek
Music Estonia :
‘The Estonian Album of the Year 2022’
—Music Estonia