Composer Stephen Emmer unveils Mt Mundane, an epic journey of overcoming personal crisis, for orchestra, piano and treble. The recording released on 11 October 2024 on Emmer's own new genre defying imprint Electric Fairytale Recordings.
Mt. Mundane is undoubtedly one of Emmer's most opulent and personal works; the project was recorded in 2024 at Abbey Road Studios, with a lineup of over 30 musicians and in collaboration with international music stars such as Anthony Weeden (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power), Andrew Dudman (The Lord of the Rings trilogy), Grammy Award-winning choral conductor Nigel Short, pianist Ben Dawson, and treble Joshua Davidson.
In creating Mt. Mundane, Emmer set his life to music and in the process, came to terms with a drastic experience: the loss of hearing in his left ear, which posed an existential threat to him as a musician and composer.
Emmer’s experience of hearing loss led him to found the Artists Against Tinnitus foundation, to raise awareness for the hearing-related issues that musicians face. The album symbolises the many crises that individuals can overcome, no matter how impossible they may initially seem; a message of hope and optimism that Emmer aims
to convey to his audience and those who also face life-altering situations.
The music is a true tapestry of Emmer’s identity, incorporating melodies that have been with him since the early days of his career over 45 years ago. He weaves these enduring themes into stunning symphonic compositions, enriched by the insights and creativity of his current artistic phase.
Mt. Mundane comprises a total of 15 'cinematic adagios: Emmer chose the adagio movement for its ability to convey music in the most personal manner, using a musical suite's most stately movement as a model in order to convey the many elements of grief in a pared-down manner, including moments of despair, hope, regret, and gratitude. Emmer also drew inspiration from French composers of the post-impressionist era, such as André Caplet, Lili Boulanger, Ravel, and Debussy, each renowned for their vividly colourful fauvist orchestrations and refined harmonisations.
Mt. Mundane Tracklist
01. Belvedere’s exotic garden
02. In search for meaning
03. The here and the now
04. Everyman’s journey
05. Closer to the horizon
06. Monsieur Croche
07. Don’t force the path
08. Expedition of the self
09. Scotch Rose
10. Personal Shangri-la
11. Imaginary climbing
12. Mirror of distraction
13. Seven storeys
14. Travels of a young man
15. Reaching the peak (pour Daphne)
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