Description
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Anton Friisgaard, an innovative Danish musician known for his electro-acoustic compositions, has ventured into uncharted sonic territories with his latest project, “Teratai Åkande” (translated as “Teratai Water Lily”). This release sees Friisgaard collaborate with master gamelan player Dewa Alit of Gamelan Salukat, a respected figure who has previously worked with prominent experimental artists and ensembles such as CM Von Hauswolff, Bang on a Can, and Black Truffle. The project was born from Friisgaard’s profound fascination with the traditional Indonesian orchestra, Gamelan, a fascination that began after witnessing a live performance by Gamelan Salukat at the 2018 Roskilde Festival.
Captivated by the rich, resonant textures and the otherworldly rhythms of the gamelan ensemble, Friisgaard reached out to Dewa Alit, leading to an immersive journey to Ubud, Bali. There, Friisgaard recorded the intricate performances of several Gamelan Salukat members, including Pande Made Gangga Sentana, I Nyoman Suwida, Dewa Badukz, Suryana Putra, and Pande Made Gangga. Upon returning to Denmark, Friisgaard meticulously edited and processed the raw recordings, shaping them into a contemporary electro-acoustic masterpiece that pays homage to the traditional gamelan while infusing it with modern ambient sensibilities.
“Teratai Åkande” is a work that occupies a liminal space, bridging the ancient and the modern, the acoustic and the electronic. Friisgaard’s treatment of the gamelan recordings transforms the traditional sounds into something that transcends their cultural and temporal origins. The album explores the resonant overtones and rhythmic pulses of the gamelan, but with a dreamlike quality that shifts the listener’s perception, drawing them into a meditative state. This approach echoes the ambient and experimental traditions of artists such as Efterklang and Asa-Chang & Junky, yet it is imbued with a distinctly Nordic melancholia that is uniquely Friisgaard’s.
Friisgaard’s multifaceted background in electronic music and sound design is evident throughout “Teratai Åkande.” With a master’s degree in electronic music and a diverse portfolio that includes collaborations with prominent cultural institutions and festivals, Friisgaard brings a wealth of knowledge and intuitive creativity to this project. His music, which has been released on various global labels and presented at renowned festivals and art spaces, continues to push the boundaries of sound. “Teratai Åkande” is not just an album; it is a sonic exploration that invites listeners to experience the fusion of cultural traditions through the lens of contemporary electronic music, marking yet another milestone in Friisgaard’s ever-evolving artistic journey.
