I think most people who read my reviews know that I am really drawn to artists who defy categorization, combining a variety of experiences, genres and influences to create a musical voice uniquely their own. One such artist is Benedikt, a violinist, pianist and composer who writes music for movies, television and the concert stage (when he isn’t performing onstage himself). Classically-trained in Germany and the US, Benedikt’s music has won many awards and has been published world-wide. He has been a member of Yanni’s band since 2008, performing world-wide and appearing in numerous videos. He also co-founded the Hot Club Quartette, a band that pays tribute to the music of the legendary jazz duo, Django Reinhardt (guitar) and Stephane Grappelli (violin). Known primarily as a violinist, Benedikt has released many albums where the violin is the lead instrument, but he also released Piano Passion: Appassionata in 2019 and his new one, Piano Passion - Arctic Fire. This new album is a fascinating collection of twelve original pieces that feature a combination of piano, strings, synths, organ and some very clever song titles. Most of the tracks are less than three minutes, so Benedikt was able to fit twelve pieces into the album’s 28-minute playing time. I can guarantee that I’ll be revisiting this album long after the review is written!

Piano Passion - Arctic Fire begins with “Arctic Lullaby.” The strings behind the piano create a shimmering, icy effect that supports the simple, but very beautiful piano melody - an intriguing start! “Drifting Ice” is a bit more classical with a delicate minor key piano melody backed by strings and some interesting reverb effects that give the piece the feeling of isolation, mystery and darkness. “Aurora Mon Amour” is much lighter and dreamier - almost ambient - with a warm, glowing quality. “Icicle Bicycle” picks up the tempo and begins as a piano solo before the strings provide background washes. A sense of urgency runs through the music, but there is no danger - other than the “icicle bicycle” might melt or break! On “Snowburn,” the piano provides the flowing accompaniment for a simple but heartfelt woodwind melody - slow, still and very graceful. “Frozen Fire” is more fully-orchestrated with the piano playing a quickly-flowing pattern throughout. This one is also quite ambient as well as intense and paints a dark, mysterious picture. A pipe organ takes center stage on “Blizzard Wizard,” while the piano and strings dance and swirl around it. Piano, xylophone and strings create a shimmering, icy effect on “Polar Pool Party.” Love the piece, but I think I’ll skip the chilly pool party! “Lament on the Rocks” returns to a more ambient style with a mournful piano lead backed by strings, voices (no lyrics) and other atmospheric sounds - deeply emotional and very beautiful! “Requiem for a Polar Bear” could explain the “lament on the rocks”! Piano and strings set a quiet, thoughtful mood as they bring the album to a very peaceful yet poignant close.

I’m very excited about this album and the creativity behind it! Piano Passion - Arctic Fire is available to stream and download from Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes as well as on streaming platforms including Spotify and YouTube. If you are looking for something kind of different, this could be the one! Highly recommended!