Ben Richter - Panthalassa: Dream Music of the Once and Future Ocean [CD]

A set of works exploring microtonality, timbre, and drone, beginning with a 3-movement work for multitracked prepared accordion, followed by timbral electronic, orchestral, and solo works. Panthalassa: Dream Music of the Once and Future Ocean transforms a prepared microtonal accordion into the voice of the primordial Earth-wide ocean, conjuring alien worlds with streams of sound alternately eerie and jubilant. In addition to the title piece, the album demonstrates the breadth of Ben Richter’s sonic exploration with orchestral and electronic works. The overall vision is a mesmerizing dreamscape of shimmering just-intonation harmonies, constantly shifting timbres, and sliding, moaning melodies that carry the listener deep into an otherworldly abyss.