Swedish pianist and composer Carl Liungman returns with his third neoclassical piano album, Change, a collection of nine introspective and deeply emotional solo piano pieces. Recorded live at Malmö Art Museum in May 2024 on a Steinway grand piano, this album explores themes of loss, new beginnings, and personal transformation. Through Change, Liungman deftly blends classical piano virtuosity with New Age sensibilities, crafting compositions that echo the sounds of his inspirations – Arvo Pärt, Riopy, Hans Zimmer, Nils Frahm, and Keith Jarrett – while manifesting his own sonic universe. Each track reflects a unique emotional landscape, yet collectively they tell a story of grief, hope, and the inevitability of change.
The album opens with Mother, an elegant and intricate composition that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Its rippling piano keys evoke a sense of spiritual awakening, akin to birth and rebirth. The notes feel as though they are reaching for the ethereal, creating a soundscape that is both dynamic and peaceful. Liungman’s performance on this track is deeply emotive, creating a gentle yet powerful introduction to the themes of life cycles and the personal and universal experiences of change. This track gives listeners a sense of being on the cusp of something new – a recurring motif throughout the album.
After takes a more somber turn, beginning with deep, bass-heavy chords that immediately ground the listener in a reflective space. The progression of the piece, with its cerebral use of high notes, feels meditative and tranquil. There’s a subtle drama to After as Liungman builds layers of tension, only to resolve them in gentle, reflective phrases. The track speaks to the quiet aftermath of emotional upheaval, where the echoes of past events linger, but a sense of peace begins to take hold.
The emotional core of the album begins to truly unfold with Final Days. This track opens with a cinematic intensity that transports the listener into a moment of profound loss. The dramatic ebb and flow of the music mirrors the highs and lows of grief, while the intricate melodies weave in moments of beauty and vulnerability. Liungman’s playing here is both urgent and tender, capturing the emotional weight of endings. There is a tangible depth to this piece, making it one of the standout tracks in the album’s exploration of loss.
After the storm of Final Days, Hope provides a necessary breath of light. It begins introspectively, with delicate, introspective phrasing that grows into an intricate, emotionally stirring composition. The cinematic quality of the piece suggests a deep longing for renewal, a sense that there is light on the horizon. The gentle rise and fall of the notes encapsulate the delicate balance between vulnerability and resilience, perfectly in line with the track’s title. Hope serves as a turning point in the album, shifting the emotional landscape towards one of optimism and strength.
Wind in June is a poetic and whimsical piece that captures the fleeting beauty of nature. Liungman’s syncopated rhythms give the track a playful character, much like a breeze that weaves unpredictably through the trees. There’s a lightness to the composition that contrasts with the heavier themes earlier in the album, but the emotional depth remains present. The music feels organic, flowing with a rhythm that mirrors the natural world – unpredictable yet constant. Wind in June stands out for its grace and fluidity, offering a moment of gentle reflection.
Father returns to the melancholic and meditative essence that has been a central thread in Change. This track feels deeply personal, with a slower tempo and a focus on contemplative, long-held notes that resonate with emotion. Liungman’s careful phrasing captures the complexity of loss, particularly the passing of an elder, which seems to be a theme deeply intertwined with this composition. The piece serves as a poignant tribute, filled with love and a quiet sorrow, making it one of the more reflective and intimate moments on the album.
Survivor brings an unexpected energy to the album, with a dynamic, high-octane vibe that feels empowering and cathartic. The pace quickens, and the piece’s bold melodies evoke a sense of triumph over adversity. The intensity of the composition recalls Sia’s Breathe, capturing the same sense of determination and resilience. Liungman’s performance is particularly striking here, demonstrating his ability to infuse emotion into every note while also delivering a technically masterful performance. This track shifts the narrative from loss to survival, embodying the strength that comes from enduring hardship.
As the title suggests, Peaceful offers a much-needed respite from the intensity of the previous tracks. The composition is gentle, with moments of silence interspersed between the phrases, creating a sense of intrigue and quiet drama. There is a meditative quality to this piece, where the listener is invited to pause and reflect. Liungman’s use of space is masterful, allowing the silence to speak as much as the notes themselves. Peaceful feels like a moment of stillness, where healing begins, and the album’s themes of change are allowed to breathe.
The final and title track, Change, is the longest and most expansive composition on the album, serving as a full-circle moment. It encapsulates all the emotional themes presented throughout the previous tracks – grief, hope, survival, and peace – while also reflecting on the power of transformation. Liungman’s performance on this track is both technically impressive and deeply emotive, showcasing his dynamic skill as a pianist. The piece is a journey in itself, with moments of adventure, serenity, and introspection. Change feels like the culmination of everything the album has been building towards, leaving the listener with a sense of closure and, fittingly, change.
Carl Liungman’s Change is a masterful exploration of life’s most profound emotions. Through nine deeply personal and beautifully crafted compositions, Liungman takes the listener on a journey through loss, resilience, and transformation. His technical brilliance is matched by his ability to evoke raw emotion, making this album not only a stunning display of pianistic skill but also a deeply moving emotional experience. With Change, Liungman reminds us of the beauty in both the highs and lows of life, and the inevitable cycles of beginning and ending that shape our existence.