Einar Steen-N�kleberg - Tellefsen: The Complete Works For Solo Piano

The complete solo piano works of Chopin's only proper pupil Thomas Tellefsen are given world premiere performances by the Norwegian pianist Einar Steen-N�kleberg, whose recordings of the complete piano music of Grieg, S�verud and Kj�rulf are considered to be among the best in the catalogue.

Thomas Tellefsen was introduced to Chopin through Georges Sand, who was totally taken by the young Norwegian's artistic drive and passion for the arts. Tellefsen became Chopin's only serious pupil, and over a period of time the two became friends. The majority of Tellefsen's piano works belong to the European piano tradition, but they also include melodic figures which are closely linked to Norwegian folk music. National stylistic elements are most evident in the mazurkas, which are considered to include some of his best music. Tellefsen heard Liszt play on several occasions, and Liszt's influence is particularly evident in the magnificent Grande Polonaise op. 18.

Einar Steen-N�kleberg's recordings of Tellefsen's piano concertos and chamber works have created much interest around this forgotten composer. So after 50 years with Tellefsen's music, N�kleberg decided to record not only his published works but also the unpublished manuscripts. The music is performed on an original Erard grand, Tellefsen's favoured instrument.

Personnel: Einar Steen-N�kleberg (Steinway grand and �rard grand piano, London 1853)