Harvey: Speakings

Album Description

Jonathan Harvey's "Harvey: Speakings" is a profound and intricate exploration of sound, released in 2010 under the Aeon label. This avant-garde masterpiece, recorded live at Glasgow's City Hall by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Ilan Volkov, is a testament to Harvey's innovative approach to composition. The album features five tracks that span a total of 56 minutes, each offering a unique blend of plainchant, Buddhist ritual, and magical electronics, creating a deeply contemplative and strangely beautiful listening experience.

"Harvey: Speakings" is a culmination of Harvey's long-standing interest in vocal orchestration, presenting a total prototype that pushes the boundaries of orchestral prosody. The album's central climax, characterized by its mantra-like chant, is a highlight, while the coda drifts away weightlessly, leaving a lasting impression. The complexity and depth of the work have been praised by critics, with Andrew Clements describing it as "immensely complex and strangely beautiful."

This album is not just a collection of tracks but a journey through Harvey's unique sonic landscape, where traditional and modern elements coexist in harmony. Whether you're a seasoned fan of avant-garde music or a curious newcomer, "Harvey: Speakings" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that showcases the genius of Jonathan Harvey.

June 7, 2010

2010 Aeon

About Jonathan Harvey

Jonathan Harvey was a pioneering British composer renowned for his innovative works that seamlessly blend live instruments with electronics, making him the first British composer to leave a significant mark on Central European audiences. Born in Sutton Coldfield, Harvey's musical journey began as a chorister at St Michael's College, Tenbury, where he honed his skills performing multiple services weekly. His academic pursuits led him to St John's College, Cambridge, where he became a major music scholar, eventually earning several doctorates.

Harvey's compositions are celebrated for their avant-garde approach, pushing the boundaries of traditional music. His extensive body of work includes notable pieces such as 'The Angels' (1994) and numerous plays, among them 'Beautiful Thing', 'Babies', and 'Boom Bang-A-Bang'. Beyond his musical contributions, Harvey also made a significant impact as a professor at the University of Sussex from 1977 until his retirement. His legacy continues to inspire through the Jonathan Harvey Electronic Music Studio, which opened in 2019 to celebrate his enduring influence on contemporary music.