"The sonata ends with a spectacular closing movement. If you listen carefully, you will hear them all: jazz heroes such as Oscar Peterson, Cecil Taylor, Reggie Workman and Ornette Coleman, in this whirlwind of unpolished improvisations.
With saxophonist / clarinettist Iman Spaargaren, the band has found an excellent companion in the re-performance of Beethoven's original work: a leading voice in the arrangements of a composer of an inimitable oeuvre" (Robin Arends, Jazzradar.com)
StarkLinnemann - Transcending Beethoven Volume 2
It is 2020 and the Beethoven Year is nearing its peak, because December 16 marks exactly 250 years since Ludwig van Beethoven was born. The composer could not have wished for a better year than this eventful year to celebrate his 250th birthday. Few composers have been able to shake the music world to its foundations as much as this setter from Bonn.
Almost two centuries after his death, he is still on the daily schedule. In addition to the classical performances, there are also many interpretations, the compositions have penetrated many pop, rock, blues and new-age performances.
BEETHOVEN YEAR
For StarkLinnemann the Beethoven Year gives room to interpret the composer in the language of jazz. So far they have chosen two compositions for this: the piano sonata Opus 28 (released as a trio) and now then the cello sonata Opus 69, performed as a quartet. The choice of Stark Linnemann for the cello sonata soon turnes out to be a bull's eye. The original composition offers enough material for a compelling arrangement.
LOCOMOTIVE
From the first bar we are drawn into the dynamic world of Beethoven's composition. After the ominous opening, which is more reminiscent of the jazz adaptation of a heavy metal concert, the conformist part of the classical composition is forced to follow. A little later, however, Spaargaren blows an inspired sax solo, accompanied by the sounds of the percussion-double-bass-piano-locomotive. After all that fireworks, Stark takes the listener into the original composition. He is soon drowned out again by his band mates, until finally the saxophonist takes over the melody line again. With the second part we have arrived in the world of Latin American dance. Beethoven in Rio. Dare you! In the third part we witness the contemplative interplay of clarinet, piano, double bass played with bow and percussion.
SPECTACULAR
The sonata ends with a spectacular closing movement. If you listen carefully, you will hear them all: jazz heroes such as Oscar Peterson, Cecil Taylor, Reggie Workman and Ornette Coleman, in this whirlwind of unpolished improvisations.
With saxophonist / clarinettist Iman Spaargaren, the band has found an excellent companion in the re-performance of Beethoven's original work: a leading voice in the arrangements of a composer of an inimitable oeuvre.
Robin Arends
STARKLINNEMANN QUARTET
Iman Spaargaren - tenor saxophone, clarinet
Paul Stark - piano, recomposition
Maciej Domaradzki - double bass
Jonas Linnemann - drums, percussion, recomposition
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