Description
Max Richter – Voices 2 – Double Vinyl Records
Max Richter’s Voices 2, released on April 9, 2021, is the companion album to his 2020 project Voices, a profoundly moving exploration of hope, resilience, and the human spirit. Inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Voices 2 extends the themes of its predecessor, focusing on introspection, reflection, and the search for meaning in a complex world. The album builds on Richter’s signature minimalist style, blending orchestral textures, electronic elements, and spoken word excerpts to create an immersive, meditative experience.
While Voices emphasizes the spoken word performances of the UDHR in multiple languages, Voices 2 shifts the focus to purely instrumental compositions, allowing listeners to delve deeper into the emotional landscapes Richter creates.
Max Richter, a British composer and pianist, is renowned for his ability to merge classical music with modern minimalism and ambient influences. His works often address philosophical and social issues, making Voices 2 a natural extension of his artistic vision. The project originated as a response to the turbulent political and social climate of recent years, aiming to reconnect listeners with the ideals of universal human rights.
Voices 2 was created during a period of global uncertainty and reflects the collective yearning for peace, understanding, and solidarity. Recorded with an ensemble of musicians and featuring Richter’s characteristic blend of piano, strings, and electronic elements, the album serves as both a continuation and a standalone work.
Richter’s compositions on Voices 2 are meditative and contemplative, combining rich orchestral arrangements with ambient textures. The music invites listeners to pause and reflect, creating a space for introspection and healing. Themes of hope, resilience, and the interconnectedness of humanity resonate throughout the album, with an underlying sense of quiet optimism.
The absence of spoken word in this sequel emphasizes the universality of its message, relying on the emotional power of music to convey its themes.
Voices 2 was widely praised for its emotional depth and artistic ambition. Critics highlighted Richter’s ability to create a profoundly moving experience without the use of words, allowing the music to speak universally. Many appreciated its introspective tone as a response to the challenging times during which it was created.
The Voices series has cemented Richter’s reputation as a composer who not only pushes the boundaries of contemporary classical music but also uses his art to inspire reflection on global and human issues.
Richter’s Voices series has resonated deeply with audiences seeking solace and meaning in turbulent times. Its themes of universal human rights and shared humanity have taken on added significance in a world grappling with social, political, and environmental challenges. The music’s meditative quality has also made it a touchstone for mindfulness and emotional connection, particularly during the isolating periods of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Voices 2 is a profoundly introspective and moving album that invites listeners to reflect on the principles of human dignity, connection, and hope. Through its intricate compositions and minimalist beauty, Max Richter continues to demonstrate his ability to create music that transcends boundaries and speaks to the universal human experience. Whether as a companion to Voices or a standalone journey, Voices 2 is a testament to the enduring power of music to inspire and heal.
Side D is etched with excerpts from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Psychogeography
Mirrors
Follower
Solitaries
Movement Study
Prelude 2
Colour Wheel
Origins (Solo)
Little Requiems (Cello Version)
Mercy Duet
