MARTIN FRÖST: B. A.C. H. - new album with works by J. S. Bach, arranged for clarinet The Swedish clarinettist and conductor Martin Fröst is releasing his new album "B. A.C. H." on October 24, 2025 on Sony Classical, which is dedicated to the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Bach's music has fascinated Fröst throughout his life - even at a young age he was enchanted and deeply moved by its intimate form. Even though Bach never knew the clarinet himself, this was no obstacle for Martin Fröst: he returned to Bach's music again and again in the course of his career. In the past, Fröst has already developed concert programs under the title "Beyond All Clarinet History" (B. A.C. H.), in which he combines Bach's timeless melodies with new arrangements. He is now taking up this original concept again - with new interpretations for clarinet and other instruments such as bass, cello and theorbo, which form the centerpiece of his new album "B. A.C. H.". "B. A.C. H." was recorded in an extraordinary setting: an old wooden church in the Swedish countryside, which Fröst himself bought, restored and converted into a studio and concert hall. This special atmosphere provided the ideal setting for this musical adventure, which features a number of fascinating artists - including Sebastien Dubé (double bass), Göran Fröst (viola), Anastasia Kobekina (cello) and Jonas Nordberg (lute). Special guest Benny Andersson from ABBA can be heard on the piano in one piece. Martin Fröst has spoken openly about his life with Ménière's disease - a disorder of the inner ear. During a particularly intense phase of the disease, he suddenly felt a strong desire to devote himself once again to the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Together with his brother Göran (viola) and some close musical companions, Fröst worked on the arrangements in the converted church hall - directly during rehearsals. It was an intensive process in which everyone involved - including producer Hans Kipfer, who spent the night in the choir stalls - lived, ate, rehearsed, recorded and slept in the church. The selection of works on the album is based on some of Fröst's favorite pieces that have always accompanied him on his musical journeys. The Prelude in C major, BWV 846, here in the version of the "Ave Maria", is a remarkable musical challenge - both artistically and technically - because you can't play two minutes and 46 seconds on the clarinet in one breath. The highly acclaimed young cellist Anastasia Kobekina, who plays on a large part of the album, also took part in the recording. Some of the inventions and symphonies (BWV 772-801) also found their way onto the album - a collection of short pieces that combine different musical ideas. The French Suite No. 5 was a faithful companion in Fröst's youth. He still draws inspiration for his clarinet playing from it today. The fine balance of silence and sound in this suite resonates deeply in his instrument and creates an intimate connection to Bach's music. A special piece concludes the recording: Benny Andersson - a great lover of classical music and Bach's works in particular - agreed to take part. Together they decided on a special work for which Fröst composed a contrapuntal part. The result is a very personal interpretation of the second movement from the Piano Concerto in F minor, BWV 1056. Martin Fröst takes the listener on a journey through the world of Bach's music. It is a program that was created in moments of challenge, surprising discoveries and intensive collaboration. The message of connection, the joy of music and of making music together will hopefully touch many people deeply.