Gläntan by Peter Danemo

Gläntan was born when Peter Danemo received a commission for music from Sveriges Radio P2. An ensemble was formed, consisting of musicians from both the jazz and classical worlds. Danemo composed five new pieces specifically for this ensemble. Gläntan performed two concerts before the pandemic hit, and everything came to a halt. It took a few years, but at last, we can present Peter Danemo Gläntan.

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.

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.


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 overwhelmed by the openness and dedication of all the musicians in this project. It is, quite simply, a dream project. 

I chose to name the ensemble Gläntan, inspired by a poem by Tomas Tranströmer with the same title. The first line reads: "There is, in the middle of the forest, an unexpected clearing that can only be found by those who have gotten lost." A beautiful image that has become deeply meaningful to me.


It is difficult for me to describe how the music sounds. It is melodic and rich in tone. 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.

All music composed and arranged by Peter Danemo.

Gläntan
Kajsa Zabzine – flute, alto flute

Astrid Le Clercq – clarinet, bass clarinet

Victoria Stjerna – violin

Jessie Langhard – Cello

Magdalena Meitzner – Mallets and Percussion

Joakim Milder – tenor and soprano saxophone

Britta Virves – piano

Christian Spering – acoustic Bass

Peter Danemo – drums

Peter Danemo is a Stockholm-based drummer and composer whose music has an unerring feeling for dynamics and form. Words like “explosive” and “unpredictable” are often used to describe his drumming, while critics have variously called the many recordings and tours he has been involved in as “forward thinking”, “creative” and “unpredictable”.

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