Swedish cellist Alexander Iberer explores two sides of love on new EP

(Stockholm, Sweden) Written by Robert Sutton. Valentine's Day might be over, but Romantic Ballads, a new EP from Swedish cellist Alexander Iberer, is evidence of Cupid's lingering shadow.

However, the title might have one expecting that this is a collection of sweet nothings. Well, that would be half right as Iberer presents the two sides of love, not just the kiss of infatuation but the wounds caused by poison arrows as well. Just as the Romantic poets navigated the seas between ecstasy and despair so does Iberer convey heartache as well as amore fulfilled.

Iberer is a classically trained cellist, and his work on Romantic Ballads is closer to those roots than the vibrant jazz fusion he produced on his previous album, Ratatouille Fiction. In other words, there are no Herbie Hancock-styled electro jams here, which Iberer is also superb at but it's refreshing to hear him take a more conventional approach with his cello.

Romantic Ballads is less of a Valentine to a lover and more of a bouquet of flowers for his cello. The technical skill and emotional insight that Iberer projects into his playing is dazzlingly beautiful. Iberer's fiery cello on "Love Letter" symbolizes the height of passion, which can boil like a volcanic eruption; the piano acts as a calming force. "The Reindeer" is not as intense but Iberer's sweeping cello is breathtaking; it's a bracing reminder how love can blow us aside like a strong wind.

The remaining tracks, on the other hand, reveal the dark underbelly of broken relationships. The quiet loveliness of "A Nice Girl from Broadway" aches with emotional longing; Iberer evokes tears with each melancholic note, and it's stunningly pretty albeit incredibly sad. "Frankie Boy" opens up with a slow crawl then Iberer's swirling cello produces layers of crestfallen atmosphere.

A kiss may be just a kiss but love is more than skin deep in the hands of a master cellist such as Iberer.

More Information: http://www.ibererproductions.com

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