- 2024-07-05
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MUSIC
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Benji Bower & The Terra Collective Orchestra Announce Debut Album “Terra Coda”, Share Two New Songs “Artemis” & “Whale Lament”
British composer Benji Bower united Bristol's most acclaimed musicians to form a 60-piece ensemble, The Terra Collective Orchestra.
They have announced their debut album “Terra Coda” will be released on October 11, 2024 via Tru Thoughts Recordings.
The album comprises a 13-track, featuring guest appearances from Jo Silverston, Kathleen Frances, Kalaallit Nunaat, James Gow, Melanie Marshall, and Harriet Riley.
“Terra Coda” is a portmanteau that elegantly combines “Terra”, resonating with the Latin for 'earth' and “Coda”, a musical term signifying both conclusion and genesis, therefore embodying the orchestral resonance of earthly endings, new beginnings and transformative symphonies.
Benji Bower said of the album, “Terra Coda is a love letter to the earth, a cry to the mother who bore all life on this planet, an apology for the destruction of what we call home. Born out of a deep connection and yearning for nature and a reaction to the climate crisis. In these times of division and fear I find peace in wilderness; I find calm in the hinterlands and strength in the oceans to navigate through my surges of darkness. To communicate this emergence of feelings with music is all I have. This is my dream. My rapture in blue.. my desperation to hold on and to let go.”- From the album, they released two new songs “Artemis” and “Whale Lament” on July 4, 2024.
“Artemis” inspired by the third element Earth, was written on the North Cornish coast overlooking Pentire Point; the piece reflects Benji Bower's profound empathy during a time when his dear friend's mother was terminally ill with cancer.
The track was written by Benji Bower and the accompanying music video was directed by Adam Laity.
“Whale Lament” influenced by the fifth element Water, draws inspiration from the wisdom of old age, the majesty of whales and the juxtaposition of tension and tranquillity.
The arrangement, highlighted by a sorrowful string section, captures the essence of a lament, reflecting the profound emotions and wisdom of the natural world.
The track was written by Benji Bower. -
Photo by Steve Tanner and Paul Blakemore - source : Apple Music
