Johann Sebastian Bach: Violin Concerto in E major BWV 1042
+Johann Sebastian Bach / Tim Allhoff: Partita Variation for Violin & String Quintet (BWV 1006); Ave Maria Variation for violin & string quintet (BWV 846); Air Variation for violin & string quintet (BWV 1068); Aria Goldberg Variation for Violin & String Quintet (BWV 988); Prelude Variation for Violin & String Quintet (BWV 553); Organ Sonata Variation for Violin & String Quintet (BWV 528); Befiehl du deine Wege Variation for violin & string quintet (BWV 244); Erbarm dich mein Gott, Variation for violin & string quintet (BWV 244); Ich ruf zu dir Herr Jesu Christ Variation for violin, cello, piano (BWV 639); Choral Aria Variation for Violin & String Quintet (BWV 54)
+Johann Sebastian Bach / Jan-Peter Klöpfel: Ertönt uns durch dein Güte Variation for violin, string quintet, piano (BWV 22); Minuet in G major Variation for violin, string quintet, piano (BWV Anh. 116 No. 7); Concerto in A minor Variation for Violin, String Quintet, Piano (BWV 1041); Melancholy Variation for violin, accordion, string quintet, piano (BWV 1060r); Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben Variation for violin, string quintet, piano (BWV 147); Invention in F major Variation BWV 779 for violin & string quintet; Concerto in D minor Variation for Violin & String Quintet (BWV 974); Ich steh an deiner Krippen hier BWV 469 for violin, string quintet, piano
+Johann Sebastian Bach / Jarkko Riihimäki: Brandenburg Concerto revisited for violin, string quintet, piano (1st movement from BWV 1046); Variation for Violin, String Quintet, Piano (BWV 734)

COLORS OF BACH: Violinist Eldbjörg Hemsing lets Bach's music shine in completely new timbres
On her new album COLORS OF BACH, violinist Eldbjörg Hemsing lets the expressive music of Johann Sebastian Bach resound in completely new arrangements and opens up contemporary perspectives on his work. Multi-layered, finely nuanced and with unbridled joy of playing, the album draws its inspiration from the structural sophistication and expressive beauty of twenty selected works. The renowned arrangers Tim Allhoff, Jan-Peter Klöpfel and Jarkko Riihimäki put well-known masterpieces in a new light through literally new "colours" that are introduced into Bach's music – through sound, harmony and emotion. At the heart of the project is a common artistic philosophy: to expand, rethink and shape Bach's music – without falsifying it. The arrangers draw their inspiration from the positive and universal power of his themes and harmonies, while retaining the inner confidence that makes Bach's work so unique. From the playful brilliance of the Partita Variation to the deeply touching reinterpretation of Bach's Brandenburg Concerto – iconic melodies are given new vitality, open up emotional dimensions, but at the same time retain the greatest respect for the original masterpieces. The dense, melodic design of the Organ Prelude in C major transitions seamlessly into a virtuoso version for solo violin and string orchestra, creating a captivating listening experience. Air takes on the elegance of an Italian concerto, while the beloved Erbarme Dich from the St. Matthew Passion shines anew as an intimate instrumental ballad. Together, these creative arrangements show the versatility and timelessness of Bach's music – and unfold an impressive kaleidoscope of musical colours. "Bach is such a brilliant composer," reflects Eldbjörg Hemsing, "that there are endless possibilities to look at his forms and structures. Every melody he wrote combines technical precision and deep feeling in a fascinating way – and that's exactly where the inexhaustible variety of his music lies." COLORS OF BACH is a tribute to this timeless musicality – an invitation to listeners to rediscover Bach's works in a playful way. At the heart of the album are joy, hope and a sense of lightness. "We wanted to give the audience the opportunity to reconnect with these important works of music history," says Eldbjörg. "And perhaps also to discover their own personal interpretation in the process." One of the most emotional arrangements of the album is Air. The piece, which is often associated with farewell and mourning, has a deeply personal meaning for Eldbjörg: "This work is one of the most important I have ever played," she says. "It was performed at my father's funeral, and I have long associated it with the pain of loss. But I didn't want to remember him like that. Music has the power to direct our emotions – and by giving this piece a new perspective, I can decide for myself how I want to connect with it. That's exactly the spirit of this album." COLORS OF BACH forms a bridge between past and present. With its surprising moments, multifaceted soundscapes and heartfelt arrangements, the album invites both new and experienced listeners to rediscover the infinite colours in Bach's music. COLORS OF BACH was recorded in the studio of the Oslo Opera – with a top-class ensemble of some of the best strings in the city: Elise Båtnes, 1st violin; Liv Hilde Klokk-Bryhn and Maria Carlsen, 2nd violins; Ida Bryhn, Viola; Louisa Tuck, Cello; Kenneth Ryland, double bass. Tim Allhoff can be heard on the piano, Christian Kjos on the harpsichord.