Credit: Linda Carlbark
Swedish Neo-classical pianist, songwriter, and composer Carl Liungman has been emerging as a unique presence in modern piano music. Hailing from Malmö, Sweden, he was immersed in a diverse range of musical influences, from The Beatles to Mozart, shaping his distinctive sound. Throughout time, Liungman has developed a unique sound that combines aspects of cinematic piano, classical skill, melodic pop, and jazz.
Liungman draws inspiration from Jan Johansson, Esbjörn Svensson, Glenn Gould, and Scriabin, using these influences to create compositions that showcase emotional depth and technical skill. His past records, ‘Born’ (2020) and ‘Shine’ (2022), along with his EP ‘Affection & Absence’ (2023), have been praised for their exploration of common human themes like love, grief, and optimism. Aside from his solo projects, Liungman has also delved into creating music for plays, short movies, and art displays, establishing himself as a versatile and reflective artist.
Carl Liungman’s most recent album, titled “Change”, was released on August 30th, 2024, featuring nine deeply intimate piano compositions that convey the themes of loss, transformation, and hope. This live album at the Malmö Art Museum features Liungman’s distinctive emotive style, combining classical piano skill with delicate New Age elements. The Steinway grand piano’s bright, crystalline sound resonates through each composition, drawing listeners into the intimate, introspective space Liungman has carved out for his music. The album opens with a sense of quiet reflection, echoing the uncertainty and turmoil Liungman has experienced, both personally and globally. His parents’ fading away, paired with a world in flux, serves as the emotional backdrop for these compositions. However, despite the sense of loss permeating the tracks, “Change” remains grounded in optimism and renewal.
Change Album Track List:
Mother:
The first song, “Mother”, establishes a calm and reflective mood for Carl Liungman’s album ‘Change’. Right from the beginning, the soft, delicate piano melody brings about a peaceful and otherworldly feeling. Liungman’s gentle fingers on the piano keys create a seamless flow of music, wrapping the listener in a tranquil, contemplative atmosphere. The composition exudes a peaceful tranquility that encourages reflection, creating the sensation of the melody gradually revealing itself in the listener’s thoughts, much like a calm stream weaving through serene scenes.
Being the first song on the album, “Mother” acts as an ideal opener, immersing the listener in the emotional complexity Liungman seeks to delve into in ‘Change’. The gentle tones of the piano, paired with the uncomplicated arrangement, create a comforting hug, a calming presence that enchants without overbearing. The tune doesn’t hurry or require focus; instead, it encourages you to relax with your thoughts, fostering a feeling of calm reflection. Liungman’s skill in creating a calm environment through simplicity highlights his intricate technique as a composer and pianist.
In keeping with the title, the track “Mother” resonates deeply with themes of warmth and nurturing. Just as a mother offers comfort and support, the music seems to wrap around the listener, providing a safe space for reflection. There’s an underlying emotional depth to the piece that suggests care and protection, which enhances the track’s meaning and emotional weight. Through “Mother”, Liungman not only introduces the listener to the album’s overarching themes of change and reflection but also sets a comforting, hopeful tone that invites connection on a deeply personal level.
Hope:
The fourth track on ‘Change’, titled “Hope”, continues the delicate and serene soundscape established by the earlier pieces in the album. Carl Liungman’s piano playing remains subtle and tranquil, crafting a surreal atmosphere that invites listeners to pause and reflect. The gentle, flowing melody moves effortlessly, almost like a quiet breath of air, maintaining a soft and intimate tone. As with the tracks before it, “Hope” leans heavily into minimalism, yet Liungman’s mastery of subtle emotion makes the simplicity feel deeply moving.
“Hope” embodies its title perfectly through the atmosphere it creates. The track’s light, airy melody carries an unmistakable feeling of optimism, as though the notes themselves are imbued with the spirit of hope. The quiet yet powerful composition creates a sense of calm that gently reassures the listener, providing a space for emotional release. The tranquil tones seem to uplift without being overwhelming, offering a delicate yet powerful reminder of the possibilities that lie ahead. It’s a melody that instills peace, bringing to mind the quiet confidence that hope brings in moments of uncertainty.
Liungman’s ability to craft such a mesmerising track while maintaining a quiet, unassuming tone is truly impressive. “Hope” doesn’t demand attention with grandeur but instead captures the listener with its lightness and beauty. The way the melody unfolds feels almost natural, as though it is leading the listener into a brighter, more positive emotional space. By the end of the track, there’s a sense of renewal and quiet strength, making “Hope” one of the standout pieces in the album, leaving listeners feeling uplifted and inspired by its serene beauty.
Father:
The sixth track on ‘Change’, titled “Father”, offers a thoughtful counterpart to the album’s opening track, “Mother”. Carl Liungman’s intentional titling suggests a deeper, symbolic connection between these pieces, with each capturing different emotional and nurturing qualities. “Father” unfolds slowly, allowing the melody to take its time. The piano’s soulful, soft pacing creates its a calm atmosphere, immediately resonating with listeners who are drawn into the track’s gentle allure. Much like the earlier tracks, there’s a soothing quality to the composition, but “Father” possesses a distinct depth and weight that sets it apart.
The track’s slow tempo and delicate melody reflect a careful, guiding hand, much like the role of a father. Each note feels purposeful, as if Liungman has crafted the piece with immense care, taking listeners on a journey of quiet contemplation. The pacing of the track ensures that the emotions unfold gradually, creating space for reflection and connection. There’s a certain wisdom in the simplicity of the melody, which, though unassuming, manages to evoke feelings of guidance and stability. As the notes drift softly through the air, they seem to carry an understated strength, offering reassurance to those who listen closely.
Overall, “Father” captivates with its calm, tingly pacing, which perfectly encapsulates the sense of steady guidance the title suggests. The music resonates not just as a soothing melody but as a meaningful tribute to the quiet yet impactful role fathers often play. With each careful note, Liungman guides the listener, offering a soft, subtle presence that lingers long after the track ends. The piece is a masterclass in understated emotion, creating a space where listeners can reflect on themes of care, responsibility, and quiet strength.
Change:
The titular and closing track, “Change”, is a fitting conclusion to Carl Liungman’s album, drawing the listener into its rich and immersive piano melody. As the final piece, it carries a sense of closure, offering a reflective tone that encapsulates the emotional depth of the entire album. The melody is both delicate and resonant, with a soft, flowing texture that gently dances in the air, creating a peaceful yet compelling composition. Liungman’s piano playing feels especially free in this track, with each note moving fluidly, as if the music is effortlessly unfolding before the listener. There’s a tranquility to the melody, yet an underlying emotional weight that gives it a sense of farewell.
“Change” spans 6 minutes and 20 seconds, but its delicate atmosphere makes the time feel almost irrelevant. The listener becomes so engrossed in the melody that the duration passes without notice, fully absorbed in the track’s soft, flowing rhythm. The piano’s gentle texture, combined with its emotive resonance, makes the composition deeply reflective, encouraging the listener to contemplate the journey that has unfolded across the album. The music feels like a quiet farewell, one that is rich with meaning and emotion, marking not just the end of the album but also the end of a deeply personal narrative that Liungman has carefully crafted.
The applause that follows at the end after the music fades adds a unique touch, enhancing the feeling of a live performance. It serves as a final acknowledgment of the emotional and technical mastery Liungman has displayed throughout the album. The applause signals a sense of completion, as if the listener has just witnessed an intimate and profound recital. It is a satisfying conclusion, both to the track and the album as a whole, signaling not only the end of “Change” but also celebrating the entire musical journey with a subtle yet powerful acknowledgment of a job well done.
Each piano piece is delicately crafted, unfolding with precision and grace, conveying a range of emotions from melancholic yearning to hopeful anticipation. In comparison to his earlier albums, ‘Born’ and ‘Shine’, “Change” feels more mature and introspective. While ‘Born’ was known for its energetic, forward-pushing compositions recorded on a Fazioli grand piano, “Change” presents a quieter, more contemplative atmosphere. Liungman use of space and silence is particularly noteworthy here, with each pause and lingering note carrying significant weight. The live recording adds an extra layer of authenticity to the album. You can almost hear the ambiance of the concert hall, the natural reverb enhancing the emotional depth of the music. Carl Granberg’s production complements this raw, live quality, ensuring that the listener feels like they are seated in the audience, enveloped by the sound.
Each track is imbued with meaning, with titles reflecting the personal and universal changes Liungman explores. The album does not merely offer a collection of pretty piano pieces; it delivers a cohesive narrative, with each track contributing to the overall arc of transformation that Liungman aims to convey. Whether reflecting on moments of loss or celebrating the emergence of new beginnings, “Change” connects deeply with the listener, offering a cathartic and immersive musical journey. At its core, “Change” is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, there is beauty to be found in moments of reflection and growth. Liungman’s technical brilliance is ever-present, but it is his emotional vulnerability that shines brightest on this album, making “Change” not only a masterful piano record but also a deeply moving and relatable experience.
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