This album showcases the piano compositions of Sven-Erik Bäck, a renowned composer known primarily for his string music and chamber performances as a violist. Despite not being a pianist, Bäck approached the piano with an objective and innovative perspective, fascinated by its percussive qualities and tonal consistency. The album features a selection of his works, including "Expansive Preludes" (1949), which blends meditative monologues with unexpected musical shifts, and the "Sonata alla Ricercare" (1950), influenced by Baroque polyphony. Other notable pieces include "Impromptu" (1959), "The Professor's Unfinished" (1972), and "Sonata in Two Movements and Epilogue" (1984). These compositions reflect Bäck's unique ability to combine emotion with form, often starting from a simple motif and developing it into a complex musical narrative. The recording was made in the presence of the composer, with Roland Pöntinen on piano, an acclaimed pianist who has extensively toured and recorded numerous albums.
