Melissa Farrow and Fiona Ziegler
Smorgasbord by both title and substance. Although the fare has a predominantly Swedish focus – inspired by the descent of Jenny Eriksson and Tommie Andersson – there is content that brings to mind old English dance tunes, and stirs the ghosts of Handel and Vivaldi. Naturally, a substantial work of Frenchman, Marin Marais, is included.
A large portion of the playing time uses Tommie Andersson’s arrangements of traditional Swedish folk tunes. These are more sophisticated than what one might regard as folk. In the sung items: Epistels and Sangs by 18th century poet and musician, Carl Michael Bellman, the music/accompaniment is particularly elegant. Also special and very lovely is Tommie’s arrangement of Om sommaren skona (In beautiful summer).
Gamba and lute/theorbo are not shy in the recording mix, and they give a distinct, not unusual, but out-of the- ordinary flavour. Melissa Farrow (flute), Fiona Ziegler (violin), and Pascal Herington (tenor) complete the ensemble, and swell Smorgasbord’s style and sound.
Johan Helmich Roman’s Sonata, is a Handel flavoured composition, but one would swear Vivaldi wrote the delicious larghetto. Flute is bright but delicate across this sonata.
A pavan-ish piece by the late Swedish jazz composer, Esbjorn Svensson, is the most contemporary item on the disk, yet it is thoughtful and touching.
Suite No 2 in G minor by Marais occupies around 17 minutes of disk space and its seven movements are varied and refreshing. It is possibly taken a trifle slower than in a live concert and this space allows deserved room for savouring and appreciation.
The Swedish element renders the disk “different” to what we are accustomed from The Marais Project, but the product is extremely satisfying.
The official launch of the CD is at the Independent Theatre, 269 Miller St North Sydney, on Saturday 30th May at 7.30pm. No doubt somebody there will be selling CDs however, the EMA has a preview copy or two. If you would like to go in a draw for one, simply send us an email or leave a phone message. We’ll leave a few days space then draw from the hat. You stand to be both lucky and rewarded.
By Neville Olliffe, Early Music News April – May 2015 (reproduced with permission)