Murcof

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Key tracks:

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  1. A Lesson For The Future, Farewell To The Old Ways
  2. Lully's "Turquerie" As Interpreted By An Advanced Script
  3. Mir
  4. Rios

Label: The Leaf Label

Description:

Deep and dark soundscapes from the Royal gardens of Versailles.

This is the latest landmark recording from electronic innovator Fernando Corona aka Murcof, originally from Tijuana, now resident in Barcelona and releasing experimental soundscape compositions via The Leaf Label in Leeds. Murcof, recontextualises the work of his beloved European contemporary classical composers such as Arvo Pärt within minimal electronic structures with a lightness of touch and widespread appeal. This suite of music was composed specifically for the grand evening fountain display in the Jardin du Roi at the Palace Of Versailles and the decadence and opulence of the surroundings plays it’s part in the drama and scale of the music. The sounds within the 6 compositions derive entirely from recordings of 17th century baroque instruments (including harpsichord, viola da gamba, flute and violin) and a mezzo soprano, using technology to create immersive music with a deeply resonant spiritual undertow.

 “A Lesson For The Future” is a beautifully subtle assemblage of voices and instrumentation that seeps traditional elegance whilst employing delay and an electronic hum as a bass layer somehow complimenting the harpsichord perfectly. “Welcome To Versailles” however deconstructs the sound sources and reassembles a menacing, threatening shadow that wouldn’t be out of place following an assassin around a blood-splattered basement!

Things to watch:

Releases we represent:

  • Remembranza | Album | The Leaf Label | 2005 Release available in the USA
  • Utopia | Album | The Leaf Label | 2003, 2004 Release available in the USA
  • Cosmos | Album | The Leaf Label | 2007 Release available in the USA
  • Martes | Album | The Leaf Label | 2002 Release available in the USA
  • Versailles Sessions | Album | The Leaf Label | 2008 Release available in the USA

Quotes:

"Fabulous...It brings nothing to mind so much as Vangelis in his Blade Runner mode, performing to Louis XIV" The Word

"it's freaking massive" Almost Cool

"impressive in its reach and seriousness" BBC Music

"sublime" **** Time Out

"a grand and elegant opus" Metro

"Corona's exquisite touch, attention to detail and disarming sense of originality remain as haunting and beautiful as ever" 4/5 DJ

"An absolute pleasure" The Wire

"A delicate record that continues resonating long after you've stopped playing it" Independent On Sunday

"Corona's work is becoming increasingly complex and fascinating, and this piece shows him at his most versatile and confident yet." 4.9/5 Album of the Month, themilkfactory

"Mind-blowing" 8/10 AU

Tracks included on the following samplers: