Provided it’s played by a virtuoso, the Piano is one of the most beautiful acoustic instruments to ever grace humanity. As far as virtuosos go, it’s fair to say that Benny Andersson fits that description for his musical prowess is legendary.
While Andersson is clearly the focus here, Piano delivers a collection of songs that were not only written by Andersson but penned in collaboration with other exceptional tunesmiths. From ABBA to Benny Anderssons Orkester to Chess, Piano is a life’s work, reworked for the piano, and it is nothing short of spectacular.
More often than not, however, music is appreciated in the background to numerous other aspects of our lives, but if you have the opportunity to sit and listen, this album will not only captivate you but will likely bring you to tears.
I Let The Music Speak is beautiful and while I love the original from ABBA’s The Visitors, this rendition is incredible.
You And I takes you on a magical ride whereby if you let it, the music will elevate your soul and take you to that very special place within your consciousness that only you know about. Music like this is the epitome of subjectivity and it’s thoroughly relaxing. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best interpretations on Piano.
Aldrig is a lovely song, but I feel it’s positioned badly as it’s musically different to You And I and Thank You For The Music, thereby creating a less than cohesive album experience.
Thank You For The Music is legendary, but this recording sounds as though it could have been played in any piano bar. It doesn’t mar the album, but one can’t help but wonder if a slightly more stylised interpretation wouldn’t have yielded a better result. The accompanying music video, however, appeals to me as it showcases not only Andersson performing the song but takes us on a visual history of Andersson’s creative endeavours.
Stockholm By Night is breathtakingly beautiful.
Chess is a modern-day masterpiece. Amazing!
The Day Before You Came is performed flawlessly. The soundstage is immersive as the piano fills your space, captivating you from the very first note, in a musical presentation that has to be heard to be believed.
Someone Else’s Story is another beautiful selection from Chess.
Midnattsdans is a lovely interpretation from BAO!, the second album from Benny Anderssons Orkester.
Målarskolan is a little more upbeat when compared to the rest of the songs featured on Piano, but it works flawlessly within the album structure.
I Wonder (Departure) is magnificent! I’d even go as far as suggesting that this rendition greatly improves on the gem that was already present on ABBA’s The Album.
Embassy Lament is enjoyable but isn’t to the same standard as the rest of the songs on Piano.
Anthem is such a delicate composition that it never ceases to amaze.
My Love, My Life is one of my all-time favourite ABBA songs and this rendition only enhances my feelings about this song. Spectacular!
Mountain Duet is quite an interesting composition. It sounds fully developed, yet it also feels incomplete. I know that makes no sense, but there are multiple ways one could appreciate this song and despite having heard it many times, I’m not really sure how, or if, I connect with Mountain Duet.
Flickornas Rum is a great tune that I thoroughly enjoy.
Efter Regnet has me closing my eyes as I picture Andersson playing a private performance for me, and only me. The recording is so transparent, however, that you too will experience that feeling.
Tröstevisa is an absolutely beautiful song.
En Skrift I Snön is tranquilly exquisite.
Happy New Year was a lovely song when released by ABBA on Super Trouper, but I much prefer this rendition to the original.
I Gott Bevar is a perfect song to close the album on as it encourages me to listen again.
Overall, Piano is one of the greatest pieces of music Andersson has ever released and it deserves a place in everyone’s collection.