Whilst it’s quite usual to hear of albums which are based on, or influenced by cinema or literature, it’s still a rarity to find albums which hinge entirely upon art. Neraterræ – the musical project of Alessio Antoni – has recently released an album which does just that, taking for its inspiration a range of classic paintings. He has used an eclectic choice of pieces ranging across four centuries, though there is some overlap between all of these in terms of their symbolism and theme. The artists explored altogether are: Beksinsky, Bosch, Repin, Goya, Friedrichs, Fuseli, Dali, Böcklin and Turner.
This is a concept album, then, but not in the ways ‘concept album’ is typically understood. Each of its tracks is based in its entirety on a different painting, and the overall effect is very interesting and immersive. Ten tracks in length, this is an almost entirely instrumental release, taking a dark/ambient approach with some elements of drone. Although not classically instrumental, the album reaches for something of the ‘Sturm and Drang’ experience via its focus on the Sublime. You can also expect some collaboration on some of the tracks: Cober Ord, Shrine, Alphaxone, Martyria, Xerxes the Dark and Leila Abdul-Rauf all contribute.
One of the first highlights is Fate Unveiled, based on the Hieronymous Bosch painting Visions of the Hereafter; the track’s thrum and sound coming close to static in places give way very briefly to something lighter, before closing in again. Similarly, In Deafening Silence (based on Ilya Repin’s standalone painting Ivan the Terrible and His Son) conveys and explores the terrible stillness of the painting, a moment of horror and regret. The introduction of vocals on Thou, Daemon is quite a jarring moment, adding menace to accompany a very menacing painting; Goya’s later work attempted to capture the deep irrationality and fear of simple people. The layering here of almost choral elements mirrors very well the warped religious ideals within the artwork.
The art of Zdzisław Beksiński is a perfect basis for music; his astonishing painting AE78 is the inspiration behind Doorway to the I, which is a good, ominous accompaniment to an image with incredible depth. More sinister or fearful vibes are picked out of the Salvador Dali painting The Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory in the track Collapse of Matter and Time. It’s an interesting interpretation – its colourfulness and boldness has always made it seem less like a tragic or alarming painting to me, but of course its symbolism works well with the ticking, rather dour exploration it gets here. At the end of the album, Virtues of the Dawn (via William Turner) is a somewhat uplifting close to a very weighty, but expansive album.
Scenes from the Sublime is a worthwhile creative project and a welcome means of re-appreciating some phenomenal, varied art. Having the images themselves in front of you is absolutely the way to listen.
To find out more about this release, please click here.