Christian Sinding is a little better represented on record nowadays than he was a decade or so ago. Two of his four symphonies, the First Violin Concerto, the Piano Concerto and the Piano Quintet, Op. 5, are currently listed. So, of course, is the celebrated Suite for violin and orchestra, Op. 10, which has also reached Compact Disc. Yet, apart from the famous Rustle of spring, which opens Helge Antoni's record, the piano music is completely neglected. Indeed, this is the only recording of it available in the UK catalogue. Side 1 also offers seven of the Caprices and two short pieces, the Popular Song and the Serenade, while the Variations have a whole side to themselves.
Not to put too fine a point on it, the music has more charm than substance, and belongs more to the salon than the concert hall. The shorter pieces are better than the Variations which outstay their welcome. However, the LP serves as a welcome visiting card for Helge Antoni, a gifted young Swedish pianist, now in his early thirties, who plays with dedication, sensitivity and intelligence. He allows a phrase time to breathe and has a well developed feeling for keyboard colour. Yet not even the persuasive advocacy and considerable artistry shown here, are able to convince me that the Variations are ever likely to return to the repertoire.
The sound on this LP is far too reverberant, which is better than being dry and close, but the aural image is not well focused, surprisingly so, considering the LP was recorded and produced by Roy Emerson. I hope this artist will offer us more substantial fare next time and be better served in his choice of studio.'