Description
Jóhann Jóhannsson 'Drone Mass': A Posthumous Masterwork of Sacred Minimalism CD
UPC: 028948374182 (equivalent to 0028948374182)
MPN: 4837418
Brand Name: Deutsche Grammophon
Overview: The Late Composer's Visionary Fusion of Drone and Choral Music
Drone Mass is a profound and moving posthumous release from the acclaimed Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson. Recorded and completed after his passing, the work is a stunning fusion of sacred minimalism, drone music, and choral tradition, featuring the American Contemporary Music Ensemble (ACME) and the vocal group Theatre of Voices, conducted by Paul Hillier. The work, described as a contemporary "mass," weaves together sustained tonal clusters (drones) with evocative vocal arrangements, creating a meditative and expansive sonic landscape. It is a powerful example of the late composer’s ability to combine electronic texture with acoustic instrumentation. This album is essential for fans of Jóhannsson's film scores, collectors of modern classical and ambient music, and those interested in contemporary sacred choral works.
Product Features
- Artist: Jóhann Jóhannsson (Composer)
- Performers: ACME (American Contemporary Music Ensemble) & Theatre of Voices
- Conductor: Paul Hillier
- Format: CD, Album
- Genre: Classical, Modern Classical, Ambient, Drone, Minimalist
- Style: Sacred Music, Choral, Post-Minimalism
- Recording/Completion Date: Posthumous release (2022)
- Total Time: 47:06
- Producer: Various (Posthumously produced and compiled)
- Cover Artwork: Florian Karg
- Label: Deutsche Grammophon GmbH
- Country: Made in the EU
- Note: The composition is structured as a contemporary mass, moving through distinct thematic movements.
Interesting Facts about the 'Drone Mass'
- Posthumous Premiere: Although Jóhannsson was unable to complete the final recording before his passing in 2018, the composition was premiered and recorded thanks to the dedication of his collaborators, most notably the Theatre of Voices and conductor Paul Hillier.
- The Fusion of Sacred and Secular: The work takes the structure and gravitas of a traditional mass (implied by the title) but fills it with Jóhannsson's signature minimalist, electronic, and drone textures, bridging a gap between ancient vocal tradition and modern ambient soundscapes.
- ACME's Role: The American Contemporary Music Ensemble (ACME) provides the core instrumental foundation of sustained tones, or drones, which are central to the composition's hypnotic and meditative effect.
- Evocative Movement Titles: The track titles, such as "ONE IS TRUE," "DIVINE OBJECTS," and "THE LOW DRONE OF CIRCULATING BLOOD...," suggest a journey through spiritual, philosophical, and physical realms, typical of Jóhannsson's deeply narrative musical style.
Track Listing
| Track | Title | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ONE IS TRUE | 3:33 |
| 2 | TWO IS APOCRYPHAL | 4:09 |
| 3 | TRIPTYCH IN MASS | 5:56 |
| 4 | TO FOLD & REMAIN DORMANT | 4:27 |
| 5 | DIVINE OBJECTS | 7:03 |
| 6 | THE LOW DRONE OF CIRCULATING BLOOD, DIMINISHES WITH TIME | 3:53 |
| 7 | MORAL VACUUMS | 5:07 |
| 8 | TAKE THE NIGHT AIR | 4:09 |
| 9 | THE MOUNTAIN VIEW, THE MAJESTY OF THE SNOW-CLAD PEAKS, FROM A PLACE OF CONTEMPLATION AND REFLECTION | 8:49 |
Publishers
- Record Label: Deutsche Grammophon GmbH (A Universal Music Company)
- Phonographic Copyright $\mathbf{\boldsymbol{\mathbf{\boldsymbol{\mathbf{P}}}}}}$: Jóhann Jóhannsson (2022, under exclusive license to Deutsche Grammophon GmbH)
- Copyright $\mathbf{\boldsymbol{\mathbf{\boldsymbol{\mathbf{C}}}}}}$: Deutsche Grammophon GmbH (2022)
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