Max Richter Unveils New Album: “In a Landscape”

About the Album

The acclaimed composer Max Richter has released his new album, “In a Landscape”, which is available via Decca Records. The record is led by the soft pastoral single “Movement, Before All Flowers”. Richter will appear at Rough Trade East in London next Wednesday for an intimate in-store live performance and signing.

“In a Landscape” is Richter’s first solo album recorded at Studio Richter Mahr, the minimalist, sustainable creative retreat designed and operated by Richter and his wife, visual artist Yulia Mahr. The album marks an evolution in Richter’s decades-long musical journey, as he further explores themes of optimism and human emotion accompanied by electronic and organic sounds.

Themes and Inspiration

“In a Landscape” is a protest record, but it’s more concerned with trying to get beyond polarities and beyond oppositions because the world is very polarized now,” Richter says of the album. “Everything is very extreme and I think there is a tendency for people not to be able to talk to one another. What I’m trying to do with this material is to reconcile opposites. We have to do that.”

The album recognizes a lifetime of artistic influence, from Bach and Purcell to the poetry of Keats, Wordsworth and Anne Carson. Track titles recall books Richter read at the time of writing the album while the cover image pictures the composer’s personal copies of a few treasured paperbacks.

Field Recordings and “Life Studies”

Interspersed amongst the studio compositions are nine “Life Studies” assembled from field recordings. These slice of life sounds recall the “landscape” of the album’s title and evoke the found sounds that distinguished Richter’s seminal album, “The Blue Notebooks”, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

Career Highlights and Future Projects

In November, Richter will continue his longtime collaboration with choreographer Wayne McGregor with an original score for McGregor’s “Maddaddam”, a ballet based on Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel.

Richter will also embark on a tour in support of “In a Landscape”, his first-ever world tour. The shows will bring him to the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, Canada, and Australia throughout 2024 and 2025 and include shows at London’s legendary Royal Festival Hall and the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.

Listen to the Album

Listen to Max Richter’s “In a Landscape” now.

Conclusion

“In a Landscape” is a testament to Max Richter’s dedication to creating music that transcends genre and pushes the boundaries of what is possible. With its unique blend of electronic and organic sounds, and its exploration of themes that are both deeply personal and universally relatable, “In a Landscape” is an album that will continue to resonate with listeners for years to come.

FAQs

Q: What is “In a Landscape”?
A: “In a Landscape” is Max Richter’s new album, which marks an evolution in his musical journey and explores themes of optimism and human emotion accompanied by electronic and organic sounds.

Q: What is the background of the album?
A: “In a Landscape” is Richter’s first solo album recorded at Studio Richter Mahr, his minimalist, sustainable creative retreat designed and operated with his wife Yulia Mahr.

Q: What is the significance of the album’s title?
A: The title “In a Landscape” refers to both the physical landscape and the emotional landscape of the human experience. The album is a protest record, but it’s more concerned with trying to get beyond polarities and beyond oppositions.

Q: What is Max Richter’s upcoming tour?
A: Max Richter will embark on a world tour in support of “In a Landscape”, which will bring him to the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, Canada, and Australia throughout 2024 and 2025.

Q: Can I listen to the album now?
A: Yes, you can listen to Max Richter’s “In a Landscape” now by visiting his official website or streaming platform of your choice.