Torleif Torgersen - Carl Arnold Piano Works (2011)

Norwegian pianist Torleif Torgersen has championed the music of several lesser known composers during his recording career to date, and on this new CD he showcases the rarely heard works of the German born 19th century composer Carl Arnold.

Promoted by Mozart's publisher André, at the age of 18 German composer and pianist Carl Arnold was playing all over Europe. Touring brought Arnold to Oslo in 1848, where he quickly became a favourite of audiences and critics. As a result of this success, Arnold decided to settle there and for the next 25 years he became a prominent figure in the Norwegian capital, leading the Philharmonic Society until 1863, and from 1858 until his death as organist of the Church of the Holy Trinity. Although he played a vital part in the establishing of Norwegian musical life his own compositions fell victim to growing nationalism in Norway, whilst the emergence of composers such as Brahms, Liszt and Wagner soon put his music out of vogue in Germany and Europe in general.

Torleif Torgersen has released several outstanding recordings for Simax including discs featuring the music of Fartein Valen, Lasse Thoresen and Klaus Egge. Since 2005 Torgersen has performed regularly with violinist Shlomo Mintz in concerts all over the world. As a performer on period instruments Torgersen has held many concerts and lectures, and has also taken part in numerous workshops with Malcolm Bilson and Bart van Oort.