Monday, September 30, 2013

Song #371 of 9999 - Death is the Road to Awe by Clint Mansell (performed by Kronos Quartet & Mogwai)

Song #371 of 9999

Title: Death is the Road to Awe
Artist: Clint Mansell (performed by Kronos Quartet & Mogwai)
Year: 2006
Album: The Fountain - OST


Composer Clint Mansell (formerly of the late-80s alt rock band Pop Will Eat Itself) has worked with filmmaker Darren Aronofsky on every film since π. Mansell seems to specialize in creating sonic landscapes that both reflect and inform mathematical properties inherent in Aronofsky's films. His work is thematic in the sense that musical motives related to characters (or maybe feelings?) are established and repeated throughout a film. He also borrows frequently from Minimalism, invoking Philip Glass at times to establish rhythmic pulsating undercurrents upon which to layer his melodies. The end result is music that borrows and repays the tension so frequently found in Aronofsky's best work (Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan).

The joining of classical music's preeminent modern string quartet, Kronos, with Scottish post-rock band Mogwai is an inspired move, resulting in some startling tone colors. Kronos are no strangers to experimentation and this music occupies a space between the modern and ancient music they seem to love equally. Mogwai strikes me as the kind of band that would be content to play the same brooding chord progression for hours if left to their own devices, potentially relegating them to the likes of Godspeed You! Black Emperor. By using them sparingly and providing direction, Mansell increases their value and effectiveness as a musical entity.

It may be difficult to enjoy this style of music in a blog post. I would encourage you seek out and listen to the entire album from beginning to end. It's quite an experience. (See the movie too!)

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