White Light: The Space Between

O/Modernt, which translates as ‘unmodern’, is the conceptual brainchild of British-born violinist Hugo Ticciati. On White Light: The Space Between, the O/Modernt Chamber Orchestra explores connections between artistic and intellectual creations new and old. The Japanese ensō illustration adorning the front cover, drawn by the artist Antony Gormley, reflects the contemplative nature of the project. Inspired by Arvo Pärt's comparison of his music to white light, requiring the ‘prism’ of the listener to form its meaning, the record weaves together pieces from Pärt, John Tavener, Pēteris Vasks, Lennon and McCartney, and the Indian sarod (lute) player Amjad Ali Khan. It might sound like an unlikely combination, but somehow this remarkable group of musicians makes it work. Extensive improvisations play an important role, binding together the compositions and creating further space for contemplation. Many of the improvisations are themselves superb, such as ‘Improvisation I’, featuring a duet between Ticciati and British-Indian sarod player Soumik Datta.

If there's one piece that sums up what this release is all about though, it's probably Tavener's ‘The Veil of the Temple: Mother of God, Here I Stand (with sarod improvisations)’. Beginning with gentle and spacious sarod melodies, the strings slowly swell, bridging the gap between contemplation and ecstatic joy. A highly impressive debut release.