Classical Composer Max Richter on His New Album and the Power of Music As an award-winning classical composer, Max Richter has made a name for himself
Classical Composer Max Richter on His New Album and the Power of Music
As an award-winning classical composer, Max Richter has made a name for himself by working across live performance, film, dance, art, and fashion. His latest album, "In a Landscape", is a more intimate, personal release that explores the theme of polarities.
"I’m trying to harmonise these differences by working with materials that we might think of as in opposition – found sounds and composed music, the human world and the natural world – trying to put these things together in a fruitful relationship," Richter explains.
What extremes do you come across in your day-to-day life?
We live in a time where people with different opinions can’t talk to one another anymore. Algorithmic media consumption drives divorce, and the online space is an advertising space. We’re all surfing on a wave of extreme emotions. To resist this, we need to develop our own strategies, such as taking time out, muting certain apps, or changing our habits.
How do we resist that?
Everyone needs to develop their own strategies. It’s particularly challenging for parents whose kids have grown up with this environment. You have to encourage the idea that every interaction doesn’t have to be online.
What’s your favorite Eurovision song of all time?
[Abba’s] Waterloo, obviously. It’s a towering masterpiece. The recent entries, like the man playing the grand piano on fire and the guy in the hamster wheel, are hilarious and memorable.
How does streaming sit with you as an artist?
Sleep, which is now the most-streamed classical music album of all time, is 10 years old next year. We’re going to play some more concerts around it, and doing the concerts is great. However, the economics of streaming are very problematic for artists. It’s put huge pressure on us in terms of making a living.
Who else should we listen to?
Sufjan Stevens’s Reflections is beautiful. Nala Sinephro’s new album is great, too. I’m a fan of Chic and the Future Sound of London. I’m a low-key raver! I love all kinds of music, and I think music can shift our state of mind and give us insight into other perspectives.
Can music have a political impact?
It depends on what we mean by politics. Music can give us evidence about how someone else felt and what it felt like to be them. Experiencing somebody else’s perspective is really valuable.
Upcoming Dates:
- MaddAddam is at the Royal Opera House, London WC2, 14-30 November
FAQs:
- Q: What is Max Richter’s latest album about?
A: "In a Landscape" is a more intimate, personal release that explores the theme of polarities. - Q: How does Max Richter think music can impact society?
A: Music can shift our state of mind and give us insight into other perspectives. It can also give us evidence about how someone else felt. - Q: What is Max Richter’s favorite Eurovision song of all time?
A: [Abba’s] Waterloo, obviously. It’s a towering masterpiece.
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