Leif Ove Andsnes Essentials

Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes made his professional debut in Oslo in 1987, but his records feel like he's been working on this music for half a century. A Grieg specialist, his recordings of works like “Heimweh” from the 6 Lyric Pieces are pensive and tentative, finding profundity in the space between the notes. As a natural collaborator, Andsnes' Rach 2 with the Berlin Philharmonic is dramatic and fiery, capturing the spirit of the Russian virtuoso's complex writing; equally adept at the solo repertoire, his Chopin (Piano Sonata No. 2) ebbs and flows with a delicate elegance.