Experience the timeless magic of ABBA reimagined with a symphonic twist in "ABBAphonic," a captivating album by Björn Ulvaeus, released on November 4, 2014. This enchanting collection features 17 orchestral arrangements of ABBA's most beloved hits, conducted by Matthew Freeman and performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, along with West End soloists Mary Carewe and Ria Jones. The album spans a concise yet impactful 67 minutes, offering a fresh perspective on classics such as "Dancing Queen," "Mamma Mia," "Fernando," and "The Winner Takes It All," among others.
"ABBAphonic" is a testament to the enduring appeal of ABBA's music, showcasing how their iconic songs can be beautifully reinterpreted with the addition of a full orchestra. The album begins with a lively rendition of "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!" and concludes with a remix of "Dancing Queen," providing a dynamic range of orchestral pop that will captivate both ABBA enthusiasts and classical music lovers alike.
The album's origins trace back to a live performance at the Royal Albert Hall in 2011, where the same soloists and orchestra brought these arrangements to life before embarking on a tour across Russia. This release captures the essence of that live experience, offering listeners an opportunity to enjoy these timeless songs in a new and exciting way.
"ABBAphonic" is a celebration of Björn Ulvaeus' and Benny Andersson's songwriting genius, highlighting their ability to create melodies that transcend genres and generations. Whether you're a long-time fan of ABBA or a newcomer to their music, this album offers a unique and enchanting listening experience that you won't want to miss.
2014 Royal Philharmonic Orchestra2014 Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Tracks
Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (arr. M. Freeman for vocals and orchestra) [a Man After Midnight]Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Mary Carewe, Ria Jones, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Matthew Freeman
Chiquitita (Arr. M. Freeman for vocals and orchestra)Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Mary Carewe, Ria Jones, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Matthew Freeman
Dancing Queen (Arr. M. Freeman for vocals and orchestra)Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Mary Carewe, Ria Jones, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Matthew Freeman
Super Trouper (Arr. M. Freeman for vocals and orchestra)Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Mary Carewe, Ria Jones, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Matthew Freeman
The Winner Takes It All (Arr. M. Freeman for vocals and orchestra)Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Mary Carewe, Ria Jones, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Matthew Freeman
Take a Chance on Me (Arr. M. Freeman for vocals and orchestra)Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Mary Carewe, Ria Jones, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Matthew Freeman
Money, Money, Money (Arr. M. Freeman for vocals and orchestra)Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Mary Carewe, Ria Jones, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Matthew Freeman
Mamma Mia (Arr. M. Freeman for vocals and orchestra)Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Stig Anderson, Mary Carewe, Ria Jones, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Matthew Freeman
Intermezzo (Arr. M. Freeman for orchestra)Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Matthew Freeman
Knowing Me, Knowing You (Arr. M. Freeman for vocals and orchestra)Stig Anderson, Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Mary Carewe, Ria Jones, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Matthew Freeman
SOS (Arr. M. Freeman for vocals and orchestra)Stig Anderson, Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Mary Carewe, Ria Jones, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Matthew Freeman
Voulez-Vous (Arr. M. Freeman for vocals and orchestra)Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Mary Carewe, Ria Jones, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Matthew Freeman
I Have a Dream (Arr. M. Freeman for vocals and orchestra)Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Mary Carewe, Ria Jones, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Matthew Freeman
Fernando (Arr. M. Freeman for vocals and orchestra)Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Stig Anderson, Mary Carewe, Ria Jones, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Matthew Freeman
Waterloo (Arr. M. Freeman for vocals and orchestra)Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Stig Anderson, Mary Carewe, Ria Jones, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Matthew Freeman
Thank You for the Music (Arr. M. Freeman for vocal and orchestra)Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Mary Carewe, Ria Jones, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Matthew Freeman
Dancing Queen (Remix) [arr. M. Freeman for orchestra]Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Matthew Freeman