When the store manager of Banks Musicroom, York introduced me to the new Benny Andersson Piano book back in early 2018, I knew I had to buy a copy, and I’ve been delighted ever since! Not only has it been wonderful to play, it has brought back so many memories. My students have loved it too and after the release of Voyage last month, I thought it was time to remind everyone about this book for the ABBA-loving pianist. It’s on my Christmas gift list for a number of pianist friends too!
Whilst playing this piano music, I am 7 years old stood in the living room, wobbling in my Mum’s high heels, wearing a favourite long frilly skirt and hairbrush gripped in hand. And yes, I’m singing! I’m singing my little heart out, pretending I am Anni-Frid in ‘Thank You for the Music’.
And it appears that Benny himself had been going down memory lane when recording the Album upon which the piano collection (transcribed by Göran Arnberg) is based. In his own words:
“In the process of recording this album, which has been tremendous fun, I have come to realise that the pieces I have chosen to play are an integral part of me. In endeavouring to reach for some core within them, I have found that the more I strip away the clothing, i.e. treatments and arrangements from the ‘original versions’, the closer I feel to the music, regardless of whether it was created last year or 40 years ago. In a strange way, I feel like I’m playing my memoirs.”
Benny Andersson
The Quality of the Publication
The photography in the book is simply beautiful – colour and black and white, spanning Benny’s whole career.
With introductory notes from music journalist Camilla Lundberg, the book is well bound, with high-quality, well-spaced music engraving. It holds open easily on the piano stand.
The 21 pieces appear in the same order as they did on Benny’s Deutsche Grammophon album. No fingering is included – this is left to the player.
So what’s in the book?
Here we see an introduction from Benny about the album and him performing ‘Thank You for the Music’.
And for samples of music from the whole album listen to the interview with Benny here:
The album begins with ‘I Let the Music Speak’ – very apt.
I was very relieved (as much as I love ABBA) that this not a book of ABBA covers. The ABBA music in there represents some of the most beautiful piano arrangements I have ever encountered.
These are most certainly piano pieces in their own right. In accessible keys, rhythmically challenging at times – the treatment of the melodies is quite extraordinary.
Playing ‘My Love, My Life’ and ‘I Wonder (Departure)’, I was totally moved. And there are 6 pieces from the musical Chess including ‘Chess’, ‘You and I’, and one of my favourites, ‘Someone Else’s Story’.
The Swedish musical drama score penned by Benny and Bjorn, Kristina från Duvemåla is superb. Songs featured here include the haunting ‘Aldrig’, with its echoes of Romantic composition, and the sweet melody of ‘I Gott Bevar’.
There are also Andersson solo compositions from the 1980’s such as ‘Stockholm By Night’, along with music featuring from Benny Anderssons Orkester (Benny Andersson’s Orchestra). I think the very accessible ‘Midnattsdan’ must have come from here.
Other ABBA favourites are there including: ‘The Day Before You Came’, ‘Happy New Year’ and of course, ‘Thank You for the Music’!
For the full list of compositions and to order the book visit Musicroom.com
And finally…
All in all, this is a perfect Christmas gift.
Suitable for an able Grade 7 or Grade 8 pianist, enjoy the beauty of Benny’s melodies, the genius of his harmonies, the variety of his rhythmic writing and simply the joy of playing some compositional beauties for piano.
Thank you, Benny! – you have become part of this pianist’s musical well being. The music simply brings joy whilst playing.
Karen Marshall
AVAILABLE ON
Benny Anderson Piano
Music from ABBA, Chess and more – 21 Transcriptions for solo piano. With faithful transcriptions by Göran Arnberg, approved by Benny Andersson, plus introductory notes by music journalist Camilla Lundberg and photography documenting Benny’s career. Includes the songs I Let The Music Speak, You And I, Stockholm By Night, The Day Before You Came, My Love, My Life and many more! Includes German and French translations.
