Max Richter Voices 2LP (Vinyl)

Stereophile: Performance 3/5 Stars / Sonics 4/5 Stars

Decca are delighted to present VOICES - a brand new project from acclaimed composer, pianist, producer, and collaborator, Max Richter. VOICES is comprised of 56 minutes (10 tracks) of material featuring orchestra, choir, solo soprano, solo violin, solo piano and electronics. The narrated text has been adapted from the UN Universal Declaration Of Human Rights and is read by acclaimed US actor Kiki Layne (If Beale Street Could Talk). Also featuring the 1949 Recording of the preamble to the declaration by Eleanor Roosevelt.

Like 'Recomposed' and 'Sleeping', 'Voices' could have been overdone, but wasn't. It's not triumphant or strident; it doesn't pound or promise. It's almost light. The music is dark at times but never so heavy-handed as to suggest foreshadowing or parable - approaches Richter isn't always above taking. The production is precise, even subtle. Sure, Richter's trademark reverb-soaked strings are here, but the soloists in the foreground (voices, piano, flute) are surprisingly dry. It might all be a bit obvious, but then 'obvious' is what this declaration should be.