Martin Fröst brings a fresh and playful spin to JS Bach's iconic music with his latest album release. Despite being composed before the modern clarinet existed, Fröst's silkily elegant playing makes each piece feel remarkably contemporary.
The intimate setting of the recording, which took place in Fröst's Swedish countryside studio, adds to the warmth and character of the music. The subtle interplay between Fröst and his fellow musicians, including bassist Sebastián Dubé and cellist Anastasia Kobekina, creates a sense of camaraderie that is both soothing and engaging.
Frost's decision to duet with his viola player brother Göran on two Inventions adds an interesting dimension to the music, while his double-tracked soloing on the G major Sinfonia showcases his impressive technical abilities. The fast-paced movements remain surprisingly subdued, never sacrificing the quiet, unassuming mood that pervades much of the album.
The inclusion of Jonas Nordberg's theorbo and Benny Andersson's reverb-heavy accompaniment adds an unexpected layer of depth to certain pieces. Although some might find the Largo from the Keyboard Concerto No 5 too schmaltzy, the use of Gounod's Ave Maria melody as a counterpoint is undoubtedly striking.
One can't help but feel that even ABBA's creator Benny Andersson has been influenced by Bach's timeless beauty, as seen in this unusual collaboration. Overall, Martin Fröst's latest album brings a welcome dose of freshness and fun to the world of classical music, reminding us that Bach's melodies remain capable of captivating audiences across generations.
The intimate setting of the recording, which took place in Fröst's Swedish countryside studio, adds to the warmth and character of the music. The subtle interplay between Fröst and his fellow musicians, including bassist Sebastián Dubé and cellist Anastasia Kobekina, creates a sense of camaraderie that is both soothing and engaging.
Frost's decision to duet with his viola player brother Göran on two Inventions adds an interesting dimension to the music, while his double-tracked soloing on the G major Sinfonia showcases his impressive technical abilities. The fast-paced movements remain surprisingly subdued, never sacrificing the quiet, unassuming mood that pervades much of the album.
The inclusion of Jonas Nordberg's theorbo and Benny Andersson's reverb-heavy accompaniment adds an unexpected layer of depth to certain pieces. Although some might find the Largo from the Keyboard Concerto No 5 too schmaltzy, the use of Gounod's Ave Maria melody as a counterpoint is undoubtedly striking.
One can't help but feel that even ABBA's creator Benny Andersson has been influenced by Bach's timeless beauty, as seen in this unusual collaboration. Overall, Martin Fröst's latest album brings a welcome dose of freshness and fun to the world of classical music, reminding us that Bach's melodies remain capable of captivating audiences across generations.