When the news of Brad Mehldau and Ian Bostridge working on a collaborative album hit the news waves, the excitement was palpable. Here was Brad, an acclaimed American jazz pianist about to work with Ian, an exemplary British tenor. So, when the album was finally available on the 2nd of June 2023, fans were already waiting on their devices, ready to hit the play button. But was it all that they expected?
The Beauty of an Ian-Brad Collaboration
Brad and Ian had worked on the collaboration for years before its release. After all, a lot goes into the making of a masterpiece. But as soon as people had their first listen, one thing was clear – this was the collaboration that they did not even know they needed. Why?
- The duo was complimentary. While Ian and Brad may have different musical backgrounds, this was not a hindrance to the work. If anything, it was the perfect recipe for an awe-inspiring project. Brad brought in his jazz musical approach, complete with his ability to integrate various genres into his work. And Ian? Well, he brought in that terrific operatic tenor voice, which was what remained to perfect the compositions. The two obviously have a deep respect for each other’s talents and were able to see just how well they complemented each other.
- They both love literature. As you will later see in the musical themes, the duo focused on poems, myths, and other literary works to convey their message. And with both of them being eager to incorporate poetry and other pieces into their music, they easily found common ground. They were able to find and explore profound themes that spoke to existential questions that humans face.
- They love trying new things. Diversity is a huge part of why people love listening to Brad’s albums, as they never know what to expect. The case was not different in this project, which touched on everything from jazz music to original works to classical art songs. Each song had a unique take, ensuring that listeners had something new awaiting them at each phase.
The artistic ambition behind this album was evident. So, when it snagged the Concerti’s Album of the Month, critics were unsurprised, stating that this blend of music was just what the industry needed.
The Allure of the Album
While many musicians are eager to push the boundaries when it comes to societal issues, not many are keen to explore sexual freedom in this age. After all, it takes a unique approach to balance the need to be open about sexual desires without rubbing people the wrong way, and Brad and Ian did that by exploring the following themes in their songs:
- Corruption: It’s no secret that evil desires can corrupt people. In “Sick Rose,” Brad and Ian explore the issue of vulnerability and how dark forces can ruin innocence, using a rose as their focus.
- Seduction: The track “Leda and the Swan” examines the relationship between power and seduction and how these two forces can lead to attraction. It also questions the influence of power in a relationship, highlighting the role of Zeus in this poem.
- Irrational Love: Sonnet 147, which we can all thank Shakespeare for, looks into the irrationality behind love and desire. This song goes into these themes, looking at whether humans can truly reason in this state. Sonnet 75, another Shakespeare masterpiece, also features in this album, conveying the lasting effects of love and the immortalization of relationships.
- Temptation: Where there is desire, there is temptation that can ultimately lead to poor decisions. In the “Über die Verführung von Engeln” track, Ian and Brad explore the fall of angels, looking at how they move from phases of purity to moral decline, with temptation punctuating the two periods.
- Youth: Many people are willing to pay the price for eternal youth, as has been proven time and again. This album uses “Ganymede I” and “Ganymede II” to paint the picture of this pursuit of youth and beauty. The actual story dates back to the myth of Ganymede, a young boy who Zeus took into captivity.
- Societal Issues: Try as we might to escape societal norms, they are everywhere. Brad and Ian step into this realm through E.E. Cumming’s poem (The Boys I Mean Are Not Refined), pushing back on the expectations that society has of its people. The song brings various matters to light, pushing the audience to question where they stand.
- Comfort: At the end of the day, people are looking for answers that give meaning to their lives. The duo explores this in various works. The poem “Sailing to Byzantium” talks about the search for eternal life, “Night II” pushes the fans into the beauty of introspection, while “Lullaby” calls for the need for rest.
Conclusion
This album is quite thought-provoking as it centers on the ins and outs of human emotions and relationships in relation to questions about our existence and what awaits us after we meet our fates. These are the dilemmas that all people face, and hearing the duo’s take on them is just so refreshing.