Encores

Martin Fröst (clarinet) with Roland Pöntinen (piano), Malena Ernman (mezzo-soprano), Torleif Thedéen (cello), Christian Svarfvar (violin), Åsa Thedéen (violin), Göran Fröst (viola), Svante Henryson (cello/double bass), Hermann Stefánsson (clarinet) & Sölve Kingstedt (clarinet)

A calendar filled with orchestral concerts and chamber recitals in many of the world’s most prestigious venues has given the clarinettist Martin Fröst ample opportunity to develop a wide range of encores, for every occasion. Known for the imaginatively themed concert programmes he devises with various musician friends, he has also explored a number of musical genres.

These aspects of his artistry are both demonstrated on this constantly engaging disc, which includes immortal gems such as Rachmaninov’s Vocalise and Kreisler’s Liebeslied as well as pieces rather less usual in a classical context: Charlie Chaplin’s Smile and the klezmer traditional Let’s Be Happy.

Throughout the programme Fröst receives the expert support of the pianist Roland Pöntinen, a chamber music partner of long standing who has also been involved in devising many of the imaginative arrangements, for instance of Vittorio Monti’s Csárdás. Three other musical companions of Fröst’s make cameo appearances, with mezzo-soprano Malena Ernman joining the clarinet in the head-long flight of not one, but two bumble-bees. Torleif Thedéen’s cello sings a heartfelt Ave Maria while Svante Henryson, also a cellist, plays in his own duo piece Off Pist.

Bach, J S:
 Presto from Sonata for solo violin in G minor
 
Brahms:
 Wie Melodien zieht es mir, Op. 105 No. 1
 
Chaplin, C:
 Smile from 'Modern Times'
 
Chopin:
 Nocturne No. 2 in E flat major, Op. 9 No. 2
 
Fröst, G:
 Brudvals för Karin och Martin
 
Fröst, M:
 Improvisation (based on a theme by Malcolm Arnold)
 
Gounod:
 Ave Maria
 
Henryson:
 Off Pist
 eden ahbez
 Nature Boy
 
Hillborg:
 The Peacock Moment
 
Kreisler:
 Liebesleid
 
Messager:
 Solo de concours
 
Monti, V:
 Csárdás
 
Rachmaninov:
 Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14
 
Rimsky Korsakov:
 Flight of the Bumble Bee
 
Schumann:
 Dein Angesicht, Op. 127 No. 2
 
Scriabin:
 Prelude, Op. 11 No. 16 in B flat minor
 
trad.:
 Let’s Be Happy

"Obviously a must for clarinettists; but other performers, and listeners too, will enjoy this demonstration of what can be achieved with impeccable technique, a fertile imagination and a light touch."
BBC Music Magazine - November 2010 *****

"This disc not only presents the brilliant Swedish clarinettist Martin Fröst in a dazzling range of encore pieces but, with the help of his own explanatory notes, also provides a charming potted autobiography...altogether a wonderful showcase for a superb artist."
Gramophone Magazine - November 2010

“His virtuosity lies in his exceptional dexterity and agility…and in his daring control of the instrument’s dynamic and expressive extremes.”
The Times