Nils Frahm: Paris

Album review

Artist: Nils Frahm

Title: Paris

Label: Leiter

Release Date: December 6, 2024

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Nils Frahm's Paris, a concert album recorded at the Philharmonie de Paris, presents a captivating glimpse into his unique fusion of acoustic and electronic soundscapes. Known for seamlessly blending classical piano with experimental electronics, Frahm has long enchanted audiences with performances that feel less like concerts and more like journeys through intricate, immersive sound worlds. Paris delivers on this promise, offering a meticulously crafted set that highlights Frahm’s ingenuity and his command over an impressive array of instruments, all while holding the audience in a contemplative embrace.

The recording captures the atmosphere of an intimate setting, though nearly 2000 people filled the venue. Frahm, often performing with his back to the crowd, uses this setup to invite listeners into their own worlds rather than drawing attention to himself. This approach is as intentional as his choice of instruments—piano, harmonium, synthesizers, and even the ethereal glass harmonica. The latter, known for its haunting tones, opens the album with an eerie resonance, casting a hypnotic, almost supernatural atmosphere. It’s a striking beginning that immediately sets the mood, one of introspection and quiet awe, and stands in contrast to the bustling world outside.