About the Album: Marking his first foray into the world of dance, Paul McCartney has announced the general release of Ocean's Kingdom, commissioned by the New York City Ballet. The recording will be released by Hear Music/Telarc and is conducted by John Wilson, produced by John Fraser and performed by The London Classical Orchestra.
Ocean's Kingdom is the first time Paul has written an original orchestral score or any kind of music for dance and is the result of a collaboration between Paul and Peter Martins, the Ballet Master in Chief of the New York City Ballet, who have worked together to present the world premiere of a new ballet for the company's 2011/2012 season this September.
Though the work is Paul's first ballet, he approached the project in the same way he writes all other music, driven by his heart rather than his head and inspired by feeling rather than specific technical knowledge. While this may have been another new turn for his staggeringly varied career to take, Paul knew it had to be influenced by his own personal experience and that he needed to create a story the audience would find equally compelling and moving.
Paul's first step was to visit the Royal Opera House to see Adolphe Adam's Giselle, danced by the Royal Ballet. Afterwards, Paul met the dancers and discussed the work with them, realising as he did so that he was still without a central theme to his work. Keen to tell a story through his music, Paul decided to focus on the purity of the ocean and within just two months, the first draft had been completed. He then went through the music again thinking specifically of the ballet itself, thereby creating a world featuring distinctive characters and a vibrant underworld kingdom. Finally Paul spent many more weeks working alongside Peter Martins to refine the work, before Peter created the choreography with the NYCB dancers.
An hour long score featuring four stunning movements - "Ocean's Kingdom," "Hall of Dance," "Imprisonment" and "Moonrise" - the ballet tells of a love story within the story of an underwater world whose people are threatened by the humans of Earth. A potently expressive and richly varied work, the score is Paul's most challenging and emotionally complex yet. As he explains: "What was interesting was writing music that meant something expressively rather than just writing a song. Trying to write something that expressed an emotion - so you have fear, love, anger, sadness to play with and I found that exciting and challenging."
The premiere of the ballet Ocean's Kingdom will take place at NYCB's Fall Gala on Thursday 22nd September 2011 while the release of the orchestral score will follow on October 4th, available digitally, on CD and on vinyl. It was recorded in June in London.
The artwork that accompanies the release is equally striking and inventive. Though it seems to suggest a city skyline, it is actually a digital readout of the notes from the ballet score.
Although this is his first orchestral score for dance, Paul is already quite at home in the world of classical music. His back catalogue already carries four classical albums, the most recent of which was the Classical BRIT Award winning Ecce Cor Meum (Behold My Heart); a work for chorus and orchestra in four movements that was released in 2006.
Label: Hear Music / MPL / Telarc
Michael Ball and Alfie Boe Will Release 6th Joint Album This November
by Nicole Rosky
- September 04, 2024
Michael Ball and Alfie Boe have just announced that they will release their sixth joint studio album ‘Together At Home’. A selection of homegrown songs you know and love, including hits such as ‘Proud’, ‘Rule The World’ and ‘Welcome Home’.
Broadway Education Alliance Launches Broadway StageNotes Podcast
by Blair Ingenthron
- September 01, 2024
The Broadway Education Alliance has announced the launch of the Broadway StageNotes podcast. Hosted by Lauren Van Hemert, an award-winning journalist, the podcast promises to shine a spotlight on the importance of arts education and enrichment programs.
Jamil Hijazi Releases Memoir NEVER SETTLED
by Blair Ingenthron
- August 31, 2024
Jamil Hijazi's memoir Never Settled explores his life's journey from Tucson to global travels, delving into spirituality, psychology, and quantum physics, while reflecting on mental health and societal trends.
Camille Sharp Releases New Mystery MURDER CHECKS INN
by Blair Ingenthron
- August 24, 2024
A charming inn in Golden Glen becomes the scene of a chilling murder in Camille Sharp's latest cozy mystery, Murder Checks Inn. Follow Maiden Harlow as she turns amateur sleuth to uncover the truth.
Photos: Julian Schlossberg And Friends Celebrate The Release of MY FIRST BOOK- PART 2
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy
- August 14, 2024
Legendary stage and screen producer, broadcaster, podcaster and author Julian Schlossberg and friends gathered to celebrate the legendary producer’s 6 decades in show business, and the launch of Schlossberg’s new memoir, My First Book – Part 2, A Producer’s Life Continues. See photos from the event!
NYC Happy Hour Book Tour Announced For THE HOLLYWOOD YEARS!
by Blair Ingenthron
- August 11, 2024
Throughout September in New York City, Award-winning journalist, cabaret star and author Nelson Aspen will celebrate the release of his latest book, a semi-autobiographical sequel to last year's steamy coming-of-age story.
Video: Aaron Lazar Is Embracing His Impossible Dream and Staying Positive in the Face of ALS
by Joey Mervis
- August 07, 2024
Two and a half years ago, Aaron Lazar, star of such beloved Broadway shows as Les Miserables, The Last Ship, The Light in the Piazza, and many more, was diagnosed with ALS. When he went public with the news in January, Lazar was met with resounding support from the Broadway community that has become a second family. Now that family has shown up to make a dream come true. Watch in this video.
Back to Upcoming Releases...
|