Rolf Hind - Thomas Agerfeldt Olesen: Piano Works (2024)

Thomas Ajafelt Olesen was born in Denmark in 1969. He studied cello and composition at the Royal Academy of Music in Aarhus. Although Olesen says he was influenced by Lutoslawski and Berg, all of his works are relatively familiar to the ear, with an emphasis on tonality and counterpoint. The centerpiece of the album is the Piano Sonata, composed in 2019, a 40-plus minute opus with ever-changing harmonies that evoke influences from Chopin, Satie, and Pärt. The music is a response to social issues such as climate change and the Australian forest fires, and at times the pianist himself reads Olesen's political message. The "Six Sonatas" is a chic piece that playfully incorporates elements of Scarlatti and ragtime. Also, in "Prelude to a Little Miracle," a modern perspective is added by using Bach's work as material and reconstructing the melody to create a new work.