ProStudioMasters.com

With the Herman D. Koppel Edition, Vol. 1-3, Christian Westergaard, one of his generation's prominent Danish pianists, delves into the piano music of Herman D. Koppel (1908-98). Koppel was both a brilliant pianist and an influential composer, and his works for piano constitute an essential part of his legacy as one of Denmark's most remarkable artists of the 20th century. From concise, simple pieces to expansive and richly conceived masterpieces like the two major piano sonatas included in Vol. 1, Koppel sets the direction with everything from thundering virtuosity to extended moments of calm and reflection. With the short, captivating pieces and larger variation forms included in Vol. 2, Koppel emerges – full of inspiration from Nielsen, Bartók, Stravinsky, and Prokofiev – as a composer with a unique ability to create musical snapshots that, like mosaics, form part of a larger whole. In Vol. 3, we find Koppel immersed in the realm of his childhood, inspired by Carl Nielsen's call in 1929 for composers to craft approachable music for educational use. Several pieces serve an educational aim, created with close family members in mind. This Selected Piano Works edition serves as an abridged compilation for all three complete Volumes.