Decca Jóhann jóhannsson - drone mass vinyl
The previously unrecorded drone mass was described by its composer, the late jóhann jóhannsson, as “a contemporary oratorio”.
written for voices, string quartet and electronics, it was commissioned and premiered by the american contemporary music ensemble, aka acme, who toured and recorded with jóhannsson for almost ten years.
now they have made the world premiere recording of this richly atmospheric work, in collaboration with grammy award-winning vocal ensemble theatre of voices, conducted by paul hillier, also a multiple grammy award-winner.
the members of both acme and theatre of voices worked closely with the composer many times, both in the studio and in multiple live performances and tours, before his untimely death.
the album will be released by deutsche grammophon, digitally as well as on cd and 180g vinyl, on 18 march 2022.
drone mass is an extraordinary, mysterious accomplishment which at times bears comparison with the meditative minimalism of composers such as arvo pärt or henryk górecki.
beginning with strings and voices, but slowly integrating jóhannsson’s electronic techniques into its landscape, the work represents what the icelandic composer called “a distillation of a lot of influences and obsessions.
track listing1.
one is true2.
two is apocryphal3.
triptych in mass4.
to fold & remain dormant5.
divine objects6.
the low drone of circulating blood, diminishes with time7.
moral vacuums8.
take the night air9.
the mountain view, the majesty of the snow-clad peaks, from a place of contemplation and reflection.
