Nils Frahm at the Barbican

Berlin-based musician, producer and composer Nils Frahm begins his four-night residency at the Barbican, striding across the stage in high spirits

Amidst an array of familiar and less familiar instruments, Frahm is in his element, with the audience instantly enraptured. Wearing gloves for the glass harmonica – an instrument that emits sounds through variously sized bowls – he humorously blesses the fans with water before beginning.

At the end of what resembles an elongated glass jellyfish, a spinning wheel on the harmonica produces ethereal, haunting and subdued notes, with Frahm playing it like a pottery wheel. The stage is initially lit with minimal light, but as the set progresses, it becomes bathed in orange hues reminiscent of streetlamp sodium. This concert thus becomes a dynamic interplay of light and sound. The harmonica is accompanied by what appears to be a small organ; it’s hard to make out in the dim light, and perhaps projections of these instruments would be beneficial. However, it is the sound, not the visual, that is the main focal point.

Hints of an accordion evoke flamenco music played at a fast tempo. Any doubts about Frahm’s musicianship are quickly dispelled as he moves to the piano, where his talent is immediately apparent. One of the first highlights, Right Right Right, is an ambient electronic lover’s joy, reminiscent of other German virtuosos like Tangerine Dream. Frahm effortlessly masters every instrument he puts his mind to, including a theremin, kalimba, two pianos, keyboards and a myriad of modulators.

In an entertaining segment of the concert, the musician takes a brief interlude and encourages the audience to create nature sounds. “Think of an animal, but not too many annoying ones,” he advises, humorously noting that five hundred howling apes would be overkill. Amidst this beautiful cornucopia of sounds, there are birds tweeting, insects chirping, and whistling choruses, reminiscent of a David Attenborough programme.

This interaction with the crowd is wonderful, as Frahm uses his fans’ input to compose the next track, toning down the animal noises to produce an ambient tune reminiscent of a beachfront or a very relaxing holiday, somewhere you’ll think back on fondly for a long time

The show features iridescent reverbs, subtle yet breathtaking vocals, and at the heart of it all, Frahm’s consummate skill. Music for London is more than a performance, it’s an experience that should be seen live, immersing oneself in the glitchy goodness of ambient classical soundscapes

Selina Begum
Photos: Beth Knight

For further information and future events visit Nils Frahm’s website here.

Watch the video Hands On here: