Adolf Jensen (1837–79) is one of the major figures of German Romanticism, the composer of a large corpus of songs and piano music. Jensen’s musical language fuses the heritage of Schumann, Chopin and Liszt into an individual style distinguished by its melodic and lyrical appeal, and yet he has been almost entirely forgotten. This second in a series of recordings of his music hopes to restore his name to circulation.

Erling R. Eriksen is professor of piano in the Department of Music and Dance at the University of Stavanger. This is his fourth CD for Toccata Classics. Of the first, a recital of Alnæs piano music (TOCC0067) Peter Burwasser wrote in Fanfare: ‘Eriksen plays it with great panache and affection’; and in The Guardian Tim Ashley commented on the second, a recital of Alnæs songs (TOCC0124): ‘They’re exquisitely performed by ultra-refined mezzo Ann-Beth Solvang and pianist Erling R. Eriksen’. In recent years Eriksen has given master-classes in Guangzhou, Nanjing, Paris, Pescara, Rome, Stockholm and Weimar. In 2000 was awarded the Grieg Prize for services to Edvard Grieg and his music.

“…Erling R. Eriksen, proves himself up to the music’s numerous challenges. His highly Romantic tendencies work well in much of this music: His pearly and rounded tone on the melodic notes, his sudden quasidemonic outbursts of uninhibited emotion, his apt characterization, and moreover his obvious love and commitment to this music, are always in evidence…Recorded in excellent sound, with highly informative program notes written by Rohan Stewart-MacDonald … regarding the numerous harmonic and formal aspects of this music, there is little else to say. Oh yes: recommended!” – Fanfare Magazine, November/December 2015 (Adolf Jensen - Piano Music Vol.1, TOCC0232)