Dance With Me

June 2021
Step onto the dance floor of musical enchantment as Barbara Hannigan and the Ludwig Orchestra deliver a spellbinding performance in their album “Dance With Me.” Unearthing the roots of this album, we venture back to a serendipitous night during the Ludwig Orchestra’s tour in Birmingham, England. There, the orchestra’s visionary director, Peppie Wiersma, stumbled upon a bustling club where a jubilant crowd was swaying to the rhythm of ballroom dances. Inspired by the effervescence and jubilation of the moment, Wiersma ventured into a trove of dance band charts, which ultimately sparked the genesis of this vibrant collection.

With each of the twelve tracks pulsating with life, the Ludwig Orchestra deftly navigates beyond the confines of their ‘traditional’ repertoire, relishing in the joy of exploring these varied dance tunes from the twentieth century. In a musical landscape often cluttered with classical musicians attempting ‘popular’ renditions with stilted precision, this ensemble defies convention, seamlessly integrating themselves into the essence of each piece.

Barbara Hannigan, the ever-versatile soprano, emerges as the true chameleon of the album, embodying every nuance and emotion of the diverse repertoire. Her rendition of “Moonlight Serenade” exudes a beguiling naiveté, transporting listeners to a dreamy realm. Meanwhile, the sultry performance of Weill’s “Youkali” places us at the heart of a smoky Berlin cabaret, each note laden with emotion.

While some may have yearned to hear Hannigan’s take on the iconic “Copacabana” by Barry Manilow, they are instead treated to the tantalizing trumpet of Lucienne Rénaudin-Vary in Greg Anthony Rassens’ intoxicating salsa arrangement. A fusion of Broadway roots and Viennese waltz sophistication awaits in Bill Elliott’s enchanting rendition of “I Could Have Danced All Night” from “My Fair Lady.”

As the album culminates with Leo Artok’s arrangement of Elgar’s “Salut d’amour,” we bid farewell to this captivating journey, left with imagery of contented dancers departing the hall, wrapped in the tender glow of shared memories.

In its relatively concise 46-minute duration, “Dance With Me” may leave fans craving more, but the quality of the performances compensates for any brevity. Hannigan admirers will undoubtedly cherish this release, even though her vocals grace just four of the twelve tracks. A healing balm for the soul, this album dismisses the artificial distinctions of ‘classical’ versus ‘popular’ or ‘serious’ versus ‘light,’ championing the only crucial separation – ‘good’ music versus ‘bad.’ And with its contagious energy and extraordinary artistry, “Dance With Me” unequivocally stands as an exemplar of ‘good’ music.

 “Dance With Me” is an exuberant and intoxicating musical endeavor, bringing together the incomparable talents of Barbara Hannigan and the Ludwig Orchestra. It not only celebrates the essence of dance but also underscores the resplendent power of music to infuse joy into our lives. With its infectious energy and impeccable performances, the album deserves wholehearted recommendations. As the final note fades, we can only hope for a future encore, eagerly awaiting their next collaborative masterpiece.