by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Ryan Teague, the Bristolian soundsmith, has released a pair of instrumental compositions that suggest the influence of classical processes, combining simplicity and emotion.

What’s the music like?

From its title, Chorale in A minor could have been written at any point in the last 300 years or so. Its musical language suggests a look back to the distant past, though the electronic choir sound has a touching and emotive simplicity. Gradually the piece builds in weight and intensity, impressive in widescreen, before paring back to a weightless finish.

The Canon in E minor is relatively austere as it begins, but its movement becomes more graceful and stately as the electronic string sounds reach for the heights. The piece is like an arch, climbing to its peak before descending in its second half, returning from whence it came.

Does it all work?

Yes – both pieces have poise and presence.

Is it recommended?

It is…and it will be interesting to see where Teague heads next musically. Here he has managed to bring emotion from musical simplicity; no mean achievement.

Published post no.2,408 – Saturday 11 January 2025