Bryars: Nothing Like the Sun

Album Description

"Nothing Like the Sun" is a captivating exploration of Shakespeare's sonnets through the lens of minimalist and avant-garde composer Gavin Bryars. Recorded live in Adelaide in 2015, this album features Bryars' evocative settings of select sonnets, performed by the renowned singers John Potter and Peyee Chen, along with a guest artist. The album's title is a nod to a line from Shakespeare's Sonnet 130, and it lives up to the promise of uniqueness and depth.

The album is structured into a series of sonnet pairs, each followed by a postlude, creating a rhythmic and thematic flow that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Bryars' compositions are known for their subtle beauty and intricate layering, and "Nothing Like the Sun" is no exception. The minimalist approach allows the text to shine, while the avant-garde elements add a layer of complexity and intrigue.

With a duration of just over 53 minutes, "Nothing Like the Sun" is a rich and immersive experience. The album was released on July 15, 2016, under the GB Records label, and it stands as a testament to Bryars' unique compositional voice and his deep engagement with literary texts. Whether you're a fan of classical music, poetry, or simply appreciate innovative art, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

15 juli 2016

2016 GB Records / Zaleski Enterprises

About Gavin Bryars

Gavin Bryars is a versatile and influential British composer and double bassist, born in Yorkshire in 1943. His musical journey began in the early 1960s as a jazz bassist, collaborating with improvisers like Derek Bailey. Over the decades, Bryars has explored a wide range of genres, including jazz, free improvisation, minimalism, historicism, avant-garde, and experimental music. His compositions are known for their unique, often hypnotic qualities, and his approach to music is deeply personal, with each piece written specifically for the performers who bring it to life. Bryars' work has inspired generations of artists, notably with his seminal piece "The Sinking of the Titanic," released on Brian Eno's Obscure imprint. His innovative contributions to music have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Innovation Award at The Ivors Classical Awards. Bryars' music is a testament to his enduring creativity and his ability to continually evolve and surprise.