Martin Fröst's new album brings a breath of fresh air to the often-overplayed repertoire of Johann Sebastian Bach. The clarinettist's silky-smooth playing is matched by his willingness to put his own stamp on the music, injecting a sense of fun and spontaneity that's hard to resist.
Recorded in Fröst's idyllic Swedish studio, where he had his fellow musicians join him for the night, this album has an intimate, laid-back feel to it. The tone is set by the opening aria from the Goldberg Variations, with Dubé's bass providing a subtle undercurrent of jazz sensibility that complements Fröst's soaring melody perfectly.
The album sees Fröst team up with his brother Göran on the viola for two Inventions, and with himself in double-time on the G major Sinfonia. While some might find this approach too showy, it's hard to argue with the results - Fröst is a clarinettist of remarkable agility and expressiveness, and he brings a level of precision and control that's simply thrilling.
Other highlights come courtesy of Jonas Nordberg's theorbo on the Air on the G String, which manages to avoid cliché by emphasizing the work's intricate textures. Anastasia Kobekina also makes an unexpected appearance with her own take on Gounod's Ave Maria, accompanied by Fröst's elegant Prelude in C.
The album finally ends with a wistful reverb-heavy rendition of Bach's Largo from the Keyboard Concerto No 5, featuring a guest appearance by Benny Andersson. Yes, even Abba gets in on the Bach action - but for this listener, at least, it only serves to add to the sense of surprise and delight that pervades this wonderful album.
Recorded in Fröst's idyllic Swedish studio, where he had his fellow musicians join him for the night, this album has an intimate, laid-back feel to it. The tone is set by the opening aria from the Goldberg Variations, with Dubé's bass providing a subtle undercurrent of jazz sensibility that complements Fröst's soaring melody perfectly.
The album sees Fröst team up with his brother Göran on the viola for two Inventions, and with himself in double-time on the G major Sinfonia. While some might find this approach too showy, it's hard to argue with the results - Fröst is a clarinettist of remarkable agility and expressiveness, and he brings a level of precision and control that's simply thrilling.
Other highlights come courtesy of Jonas Nordberg's theorbo on the Air on the G String, which manages to avoid cliché by emphasizing the work's intricate textures. Anastasia Kobekina also makes an unexpected appearance with her own take on Gounod's Ave Maria, accompanied by Fröst's elegant Prelude in C.
The album finally ends with a wistful reverb-heavy rendition of Bach's Largo from the Keyboard Concerto No 5, featuring a guest appearance by Benny Andersson. Yes, even Abba gets in on the Bach action - but for this listener, at least, it only serves to add to the sense of surprise and delight that pervades this wonderful album.
[A picture of Martin Fröst playing the clarinet with a big grin on his face, surrounded by happy music notes] 
The dude is like "I'm gonna put my own spin on Bach's stuff and it's gonna be FUN" 
and honestly it works! 
, and Anastasia Kobekina's take on Gounod's Ave Maria is a total surprise! I'm also loving the jazz vibes in the opening aria from the Goldberg Variations - it really sets the tone for the rest of the album 
! He's totally refreshing the classic Bach sound without losing that essence. I love how he gets his band together for a chill studio session, it's like you can feel the relaxed energy radiating from every note 
. The way Göran joins in on viola for those Inventions is pure magic 
! But what really gets me is Anastasia's unexpected rendition of Gounod's Ave Maria - who knew that could happen? 
I mean, Abba guesting on a Bach track might sound weird at first, but trust me, it works 
. I mean, I know some people love the idea of attending a performance from the comfort of their own homes, but for me, it's just not the same as seeing the musicians in person 
I'm not convinced they're worth the investment 
. But hey, if this Martin Fröst album is what people want to hear, then more power to 'em, I guess 
. and can we talk about the G major Sinfonia?! Fröst's double-time playing is insane 
! and the Air on the G String is so cool because Jonas Nordberg brings this jazzy vibe to it 
. And can we talk about that first aria from the Goldberg Variations? The bassline by Dubé is pure magic 
! It's not often you hear the word "thrilling" when listening to classical music, but trust me, this guy can play 
I'm so glad someone is finally putting out an album of Bach's stuff with some actual personality! I mean, don't get me wrong, the dude was a genius and all, but like... his music can be super dry if you ask me. Fröst seems to understand that though - he knows how to make it sound fun again without losing any of its depth or emotion. I love the idea of him doing double-time on some pieces, it's just so cool to hear! And Anastasia Kobekina's take on Ave Maria? Mind blown 
I've always loved Gounod's version but this one is next level. Can't wait to give Fröst's album a spin 
! His clarinet playing is literally silky-smooth and he puts such a cool spin on Bach's music #BachMeetsModern #ClarinetGoals. The way the musicians come together in his studio makes it feel like an impromptu jam session, which is so refreshing from all that classical stuff I never get around to listening to 
. And can we talk about Göran Fröst on viola? That guy's got skills! 
Love how Fröst puts his own stamp on the music without sacrificing precision and control - he's a clarinettist for the ages, imo 
. And I have to say, Benny's surprise appearance is totally awesome 
! I mean, who knew Bach could be so... fun? 
.
I mean, who wouldn't want to hear a jazzy bass line under Bach? 
...but Martin Fröst's new album is def a breath of fresh air, love his take on Bach, sounds so alive & fun 
. And I love how he's not afraid to put his own spin on the music - it makes it feel super intimate and fun 
It's clear that Fröst has a deep understanding of the music, and it shows in every note 
It's like he's speaking a different language of music altogether! 
the way his clarinet sounds silky smooth is giving me all the feels