IRR Outstanding, Intl Record Review; 10/10/10 Klassik-Heute.de
Empfehlung des Monats, Fono Forum; 5 Diapasons, Diapason; CD des Monats & Audiophiles Highlight des Monats, Stereo
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 rubbing shoulders with an improvisation over the Nat King Cole standard Nature Boy. 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. 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 to the gyrating accompaniment of Fröst's clarinet, while Svante Henryson, also a cellist, plays in his own duo piece Off Pist, in which the clarinet and cello chase each other up and down alpine slopes.
