Multi award-winning pianist and composer Nicolai Kornerup might not be a name one instantly recognizes, but he has been heard all over the world, from Carnegie Hall to Roskilde Festival, and on tour across North and South America, Asia, and Europe.

Kornerup works as a composer, producer and arranger for multiple international artists across multiple genres. Furthermore he has acted as composer, songwriter and arranger for the Danish X-factor production since 2018.

A resident of Copenhagen, Kornerup asked us to host the vinyl release of his new solo album, Circles.

Kornerup is a long-time fan of Danish designer Poul Henningsen—and especially of his pianos, designed in the 1930s. It has been something of a dream of his to bring his own music together with the instruments designed by PH.

In fact, Kornerup recently played the PH Grand Piano at a special concert at Amalienborg, the Danish royal residence. The event, Queen Ingrid’s Honorary Scholarship, was a special televised ceremony in which a grant of 500,000dkk was awarded to two young artists.

“I knew I wanted a special place to make my release concert,” says Nicolai, who performed his live concert at the release with two string players. Together with cellist Live Johansson and violinist Erik Danciu of LiveStrings, they performed much of the album, interwoven with stories.

The evening was a hyggelig gathering of friends and fans, many of whom had never seen a PH Bow Grand Piano.

Circles is Nicolai Kornerup’s first solo album, and it has a meditative instrumental approach wherein the counterpoint of melodies form the center of the compositions. Using the pure, soft sounds of Nordic nature as his inspiration, Kornerup composes melodies for piano and strings that bring comfort and soothe the soul. 

The work Circles is composed in all 24 keys. The release celebrated in this concert are the first half of the full (24-part) work.

The concert was a beautiful combination of music and storytelling; Kornerup’s friendly persona set the tone for a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Musically, the evening was delightful: Kornerup’s original compositions are tuneful and interesting. Some remind the listener of compositional styles of Bach; others of jazz, and many would be perfect selections for film music.

Particularly beautiful was the closing number, Circle in B Major- a dreamy and nostalgic piece with melodies that soar above lovely arpeggiated chords. Like all the music of the evening, the melodies are reminiscent of folk music with their singable quality; and yet the overarching style is whimsical and intriguing.

It was a special evening- and, we hope, the launch of a continued relationship with Nicolai Kornerup.