”The Norwegian Steinar Granmo Nilsen is a phenomenon- a true virtuoso in the sense that he has total mastery of every aspect of performance, not just ability to rattle off a blizzard of notes. The music is challenging technically, to be sure, but not at the level of say, Weber´s concertino and Cherubinis second sonata, to mention two works of roughly contemporary vintage. What puts Nilsen in a class by himself is how he goes beyond technical mastery to engage the listener with utter conviction, much like Heifetz on the violin or Horowitz on the piano. His musicianship transcends horn playing and enters the realm of pure music. He sings into the instrument as I have heard few others do. Every note has a meaning---spirited, joyful, reflective, or yearning as required. Kristin Fossheims playing is on an equal level of Nilsen´s expressivity, and her role is by no means one of mer accompaniment. There is much dialogue between the two instruments. Again, one hears not so much the instrument itself, but pure music: a perfect partnership indeed. Her instrument a copy of a Walter made by Kenneth Bakeman (Vienna 1805) in 1983. The horn is made by Lausmann from Bohemia. Ca. 1800, made by Andreas Jungwirth in 2000. A splendidly radiant recording acoustic and thoughtful. I end with self-quote from the aforementioned Stobart review: ”Natural-horn aficionades can be assured of outstanding performances from both hornist and pianist: curiosity-seekers are well advised to give it a try, if for no other reason than to be astounded at what can be accomplished by master of this fiendishly difficult instrument. I truly doubt that Beethoven, or any of his colleagues, heard their works played with such assurance and technical perfection as we have on display here.”

Robert Markow ville nominere vår innspiling som årets beste, sammen med London Symphony Orchestra og Gergiev.