Transcending Beethoven volume 2

Transcending Beethoven volume 2 demonstrates that beautiful music transcends labels such as old-fashioned or modern. It is well established that Beethoven’s compositions are timeless, placing him among the greatest musical minds alongside Bach and Mozart. We have successfully embraced the challenge of transforming Beethoven’s work into a contemporary sound idiom for the 21st century, as we previously did with the complete works of Liszt, Chopin, and Mussorgsky. Our Universal Crossover Music seamlessly blends classical masterpieces with jazz and world music, presenting them in intriguing and challenging ways. Paul has completely recomposed the Cello Sonata opus 69, maintaining the piece’s original form while incorporating modern harmonies and rhythms. Staying true to Beethoven’s spirit, adventurous improvisations are an essential part of this reinterpretation.

Personnel on record
Iman Spaargaren – tenor saxophone, clarinet
Paul Stark – piano, recomposition
Maciej Domaradzki – acoustic bass
Jonas Linnemann – drums & percussion

If you haven’t added Transcending Beethoven Volume 2 to your collection, please visit our revamped webshop at ucm-records.com for StarkLinnemann’s entire catalog. Buying directly from us, especially after concerts or through the webshop, ensures fair payment and helps fund future albums. Some volumes are also available on Spotify and other platforms, but it takes about 2,500 Spotify plays to earn €10. Your direct purchase makes a significant difference. Thanks again for supporting our music! Jonas Linnemann & Paul Stark 2025

Press quotes

A sophisticated transformation from classical to jazz.
Georges Tonla Briquet- Jazzenzo 2021

The arrangement of Beethoven's original becomes an ode to joy. The quartet brings modern jazz very close to you, and you melt into the music.
 Joe Brookes - Rocktimes 2021

As with previous Beethoven 'recompositions' by this quartet, Stark has managed to avoid open doors.
Ken Vos - Jazzism 2021

Those familiar with Beethoven's Cello Sonata will easily recognize the great lines and melodies of this fine work and appreciate the freedom with which StarkLinnemann has approached it. 
Tom Beetz- Jazzflits 2021

The jazz jacket appears to fit the composer well; it's not too tight or too wide at any point. That is to the credit of pianist Paul Stark, saxophonist/clarinettist Iman Spaargaren, percussionist Jonas Linnemann, and double bassist Maciej Domaradzki. With their sparkling solos and dynamic interplay, they put Beethoven's music in the spotlight.
Olga de Kort- Piano Bulletin 2021