Universal Music Group (UMG) is to release a brand-new album of solo piano music from legendary Swedish composer and ABBA co-founder Benny Andersson next month.
The album, entitled ‘Piano’, will be released on September 29 through classical music label Deutsche Grammophon.
As its name indicates, the LP sees Andersson reinterpret songs from ABBA, his musicals and other solo-compositions as solo, unaccompanied recordings at the piano.
The 21-track collection was recorded with Linn Fijal, engineer and studio manager at his own RMV Studios, on the island of Skeppsholmen in Stockholm.
Benny Andersson said: “In the process of recording this album, I have come to realise that the pieces I have chosen to play are an integral part of me. In endeavouring to reach for some core within them, I have found that the more I strip away the clothing, the closer I feel to the music, regardless of whether it was created last year or 40 years ago. In a strange way, I feel like I am playing my memoirs.”
“It was very different to how I’ve made records in the past, and that was part of the joyfulness of it all,” he adds, “Even without the bass, drums, guitars, strings and vocals on these songs, I think there is still substance in all of them. That was very pleasing to realise.”
“This new collection of solo piano recordings will reinforce Benny’s legacy as one of the finest contemporary composers of our time.”
Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group said: “This new collection of solo piano recordings will reinforce Benny’s legacy as one of the finest contemporary composers of our time.”
Frank Briegmann, President & CEO, Universal Music Group Central Europe and Deutsche Grammophon said: “Benny‘s songs have revolutionised pop music. He is an innovator and one of the greatest and most creative minds of his field. With this album, he presents as clear and unobstructed a view of his musical universe as never seen before in his long career.
“Apart from that, Benny also reveals himself to be an amazing pianist and these new interpretations offer a whole new perspective on his work. Benny has wowed and inspired his fans many times and in many different ways. And now he is doing it again. Together with everyone at Deutsche Grammophon, I am really looking forward to this album and I want to congratulate Benny on this wonderful release.”
The first track to be released from the album, a new version of ABBA classic ‘Thank You For The Music’ is now available to download and via streaming services.
The tracklisting for ‘Piano’ is as follows:
1. I Let The Music Speak 2. You And I 3. Aldrig 4. Thank You For The Music 5. Stockholm By Night 6. Chess 7. The Day Before You Came 8. Someone Else’s Story 9. Midnattsdans 10. Målarskolan 11. I Wonder (Departure) 12. Embassy Lament 13. Anthem 14. My Love, My Life 15. Mountain Duet 16. Flickornas Rum 17. Efter Regnet 18. Tröstevisa 19. En Skrift I Snöen 20. Happy New Year 21. I Gott BevarMusic Business Worldwide
