melodic imperialism

Saturday, February 17, 2018

Johann Johannsson 1969 - 2018

On January 29, 2018 the world premiere of Johann Johannsson's "Orphic Hymn" took place at the Winnipeg New Music Festival. Johann had been commissioned by the Festival in the past for his first major works for large orchestra and he had participated at the Festival several times. His first ever North American performance was here in 2006 and his last ever world premiere was here in 2018, the week before he died.

"Dawson City: Frozen Time" world premiere live music score and film
with Bill Morrison director and Alex Somers composer
Ricardo Romaneiro transcription and arrangement
for string orchestra, choir, 2 percussion, piano, and 2 laptops
February 3, 2018
Winnipeg New Music Festival

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

"devastatingly beautiful"
- William Basinski

"the emotional resonance (of this music) is so intense that you feel an anticipation rising inside your very being".

"an album that creates an incredible and indescribable impact... completely unforgettable".
- Echoes and Dust, U.K.

"Patton has created something deeply moving with The Infected Mass... it has the potential to profoundly shake its listeners."
Nine out of ten stars.
- Exclaim

"The Infected Mass" by Those Who Walk Away (composer Matthew Patton) released by Constellation Records on March 17, 2017. Recorded in Iceland and Winnipeg with string players with Sigur Ros, Johann Johannsson, Bedroom Community, Iceland Symphony Orchestra, and others. Co-produced by Paul Corley (Sigur Ros, Ben Frost).