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Iiro Rantala
Mozart, Bernstein, Lennon

VÖ: 27.04.2018

Genre: Piano Jazz

€17.50*

ACT 9868-2, 614427986825

Iiro Rantala / grand piano
The Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen
Florian Donderer / violin & orchestra leader

Music by Iiro Rantala, unless otherwise noted
String arrangements by Teppo Ali-Mattila, except Karma by Iiro Rantala

Recorded live in concert
by Michael Leverkus. A Deutschlandfunk Kultur recording

Die Glocke Bremen, jazzahead! gala concert, 28.04.2017

Producer for Deutschlandfunk Kultur: Matthias Wegner
Mixed and mastered by Klaus Scheuermann

Cover art: Robert Wilson © 2006 “untitled” (Mozart) / ACT Art Collection
courtesy Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac, Salzburg / Paris / London

The Finnish jazz pianist Iiro Rantala became acquainted with the Andante from Mozart's C major concerto at an early age - long before he heard Mozart's piano epic in its entirety for the first time. It was only years later that Rantala experienced the work in its entirety in a concert - and immediately fell in love with the symphonically structured opus KV 467. No wonder, then, that the classically trained pianist has always dreamed of performing this piano concerto himself - now the celebrated concert result is available as a live recording.

Iiro Rantala

"Intelligence, humor, a lot of sentiment, unpredictable ideas, and exquisite piano craftsmanship" (FAZ). Finnish pianist Iiro Rantala is described as "a force of nature at the keys" (Jazz Thing). For nearly 20 years, he dominated jazz stages across Europe and beyond with the anarchic trio Töykeät. His subsequent ACT debut album, "Lost Heroes," marked a turning point in his music. While unrestrained exuberance had previously ruled, Rantala now seeks and finds strength in melody, harmony, and deep emotion. His mischievousness still shines through, along with his outstanding classical piano skills. Rantala manages a delicate balance in many ways. He's celebrated by critics, receiving accolades like the German Record Critics' Annual Award, the ECHO Jazz, the Finnish EMMA Award, and many more. Simultaneously, he's a favorite of audiences, performing at hundreds, if not thousands, of concerts. Whether in classical temples like the Berlin Philharmonie, Elbphilharmonie, Konzerthaus Berlin, Philharmonie Köln, or in jazz clubs and festivals throughout Europe, he captivates audiences. Whether performing solo, as a trio, or with a full orchestra, Rantala traverses jazz, classical, pop, and Nordic songs. He combines sentiment and melancholy with a lot of wit and charm. In short, he's a master of modern, boundless piano playing.