This project began when I received a commission from Sveriges Radio P2 to compose music for an ensemble of my choice.
I have always been drawn to mid-sized ensembles—they can sound grand and full without losing the intimacy of a smaller group. There is space for subtle nuances. The timbral possibilities are rich. The unique voice of each individual musician can be clearly heard.
The ensemble consists of musicians from both classical and jazz backgrounds. I wanted a blend of different musical traditions and playing styles, as it expands the musical palette. The idea was to start entirely without written music and, together, discover ways to improvise and communicate in a way that felt natural for everyone.
Photo by Miki Anagrius
Beginning from scratch allowed me to truly get to know each musician. Slowly, out of our initial meetings, the music emerged as a natural consequence of what happened in our improvisations.
I am incredibly proud of the music on this album, primarily because of the immense dedication shown by the musicians in the ensemble. Their involvement has elevated the music to something I couldn’t have imagined when I composed it.
I have chosen to name the project Gläntan after a poem by Tomas Tranströmer: ”In the middle of the forest there’s an unexpected clearing that can only be found by those who have gotten lost”. A poem that has become very important to me.
The music on this album is melodic, light and dark, yet not without a touch of sharpness. Since music cannot truly be described in words, listen and form your own impression..
The music was recorded without headphones, monitors, or amplifiers. It is acoustic, performed live, and captured in the same room, with the musicians seated close together.
Gläntan
Kajsa Zabzine – flute, alto flute
Astrid Le Clercq – clarinet, bass clarinet
Victoria Stjerna – violin
Jessie Langhard – Cello
Magdalena Meitzner – mallets, percussion
Joakim Milder – tenor and soprano saxophone
Britta Virves – piano
Christian Spering – acoustic bass
Peter Danemo – drums
01 String Thing
02 The String
03 The Thing
04 The Twelve
05 Darkness
This music was commissioned by Swedish National Radio P2 Music in 2019. Composed and arranged by Peter Danemo.
Recorded by Ulf Östling at Swedish Radio the 2 of October 2019.
Recording producer Pierre Martin.
Mixed by Ulf Östling at Dragon Nest Records 2024
Mastered by Mats Äleklint.
Cover Design by Ilaria Capalbo
℗ © 2025 Resonansium Records RRCD003