Dive into the enchanting world of ABBA's timeless hits, reimagined and orchestrated by the legendary Björn Ulvaeus, in the album "ABBAphonic." Released on November 4, 2014, under the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra label, this collection of Swedish ballads offers a fresh and captivating experience for both longtime fans and new listeners alike.
Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, the album features 17 tracks, each meticulously arranged by M. Freeman for vocals and orchestra. From the energetic "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!" to the poignant "The Winner Takes It All," and the iconic "Dancing Queen," Ulvaeus and Freeman have crafted a symphonic journey that highlights the depth and versatility of ABBA's discography.
The album opens with a vibrant rendition of "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!" and continues with beloved classics like "Chiquitita," "Super Trouper," and "Money, Money, Money." The orchestral arrangements add a new dimension to these familiar tunes, enhancing their emotional resonance and musical complexity. The instrumental "Intermezzo" provides a brief but beautiful interlude, showcasing the orchestra's prowess.
Ulvaeus's visionary approach shines through in tracks like "Knowing Me, Knowing You," "SOS," and "Fernando," where the orchestration elevates the original compositions to new heights. The album concludes with a remix of "Dancing Queen," offering a modern twist on the timeless anthem.
"ABBAphonic" is a testament to the enduring appeal of ABBA's music and Björn Ulvaeus's artistic brilliance. This album is not just a collection of songs; it's a celebration of ABBA's legacy, reimagined for a new generation of music enthusiasts.
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