Oktopus: Brahms, Balkans & Bagels

Brahms, Balkans & Bagels explores the ways in which folk styles have inspired composers of the classical canon. How did Hungarian folk melodies galvanize inspiration for Franz Liszt? What traces of klezmer music shine through in the works of Gustav Mahler? In this vibrantly colourful album, classical and folk music intertwine as equal partners in an array of intricate and moving arrangements. Klezmer was the unifying thread throughout this journey, shaped by its dances, inflections and ornamentation.

Gabriel Paquin-Buki, clarinet, musical direction, arrangements; Zoé Dumais, violin; Julie Blanchet, flute; Matthieu Bourget, bass trombone; Kalun Leung, trombone; Francis Pigeon, trumpet; Emie Rioux-Roussel, piano; Maxime Philippe, drums, percussion

World classical