B.A.C.H. (CD)

BBC Music Magazine
Christmas Issue 2025
Instrumental Choice

Martin Fröst (clarinet), Sebastien Dube, Anastasia Kobekina, Jonas Nordberg, Göran Fröst, Benny Andersson

Bach, J S: Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Aria
Bach, J S: Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 639
Bach, J S: Orchestral Suite No.3 in D Major, BWV 1068: II. Air
Bach, J S: French Suite No.5 in G Major, BWV 816: III. Sarabande
Bach, J S: Largo (after Piano Concerto No. 5 in F Minor, BWV 1056)
Gounod: Ave Maria (Meditation on the Prelude by J. S. Bach)

A deeply personal journey through the enduring landscape of Bach's music, Martin Fröst reimagines the composer’s most timeless and beloved works in this beautifully intimate album. Featuring all-new arrangements for a small, interchanging cast of musicians, the album showcases Fröst's artistry alongside special guests Benny Andersson, Anastasia Kobekina, Jonas Nordberg, and more. The German composer was dead before the clarinet as we know it today was established, but Martin Fröst, his playing as silkily eloquent as ever, makes the short but sweet selection on this recording very much his own. There’s an intimate feel to the whole thing, which was recorded at Fröst’s studio in the Swedish countryside.

"Fröst's album testifies to the versatility of the clarinet, reminding us of the appeal of a single-reed timbre. The arrangements often showcase the clarinet's bright middle-register, facilitating Fröst's versatility... extraordinary moments." — BBC Music Magazine, Christmas Issue 2025