Mari Samuelsen’s third album on Deutsche Grammophon, Life, is a musical exploration of the phenomenon of motherhood and welcoming a new life into the world. The violinist, who is known for her vibrant and imaginative programming as well as her passionate and virtuosic playing, became inspired by the moods she encountered during the first stages of parenthood: curiosity, frustration, love and happiness. These moods are mirrored in the album through her choice of repertoire with works by contemporary composers such as Olivia Belli, Bryce Dessner, Ludovico Einaudi, Nils Frahm, Jóhann Jóhannsson, Mário Laginha, Hania Rani, Max Richter, Steve Reich and Schubert...

Life is, quite literally, a life affirming experience. Over the course of the album's 11 tracks (48 min, 46 sec) violinist Mari Samuelsen delivers heart breaking performances of some incredibly moving pieces. The range of works included here is also impressive.

Personal highlights include Jóhann Jóhannsson's 'Cambridge 1963'; Olivia Belli's melancholic, 'Sapias'; and Franz Schubert's 'Piano Quintet in A Major, D. 667 "Trout Quintet"'.

It's an incredibly moving collection of pieces, brought beautifully to life by Samuelsen's nuanced performances. In all honesty, I'd pick this up for 'Sapias' alone.

Track listing:

Jóhann Jóhannsson
01. Cambridge 1963 (Arr. Knoth for Solo Violin & Ensemble) - From "The Theory of Everything" (01:47)

Olivia Belli
02. Sapias (03:00)

Nils Frahm
03. Hammers (Arr. Knoth for Solo Violin, Piano, Strings & Electronics) (03:34)

Ludovico Einaudi
04. DNA (Arr. Knoth for Piano Quintet) (04:06)

Mário Laginha
05. Coisas Da Terra (02:08)

Bryce Dessner
06. Aheym (09:45)

Franz Schubert
Piano Quintet in A Major, D. 667 "Trout Quintet"
07. IV. Theme - Andantino - Vars. 1-5 - Allegretto (08:08)

Hania Rani
08. Glass (Arr. Knoth for Solo Violin, Piano & Strings) (04:12)

Max Richter
09. She Remembers (From "The Leftovers") (03:42)

Steve Reich
10. Duet (05:12)

Bryce Dessner
11. Song for Octave (Arr. Badzura for Solo Violin, Piano & Electronics) (03:18)

9

Darren Rea