Urgent: Benedict Maurseth’s ‘Myrrh’ Album Sounds the Alarm for Endangered Reindeer – A Breaking News Report
Oslo, Norway – In a powerful departure from the lush soundscapes of her award-winning 2022 album, ‘Hairy,’ Norwegian violinist and composer Benedict Maurseth has released ‘Myrrh,’ a work that isn’t just beautiful, but urgently calls attention to the plight of wild reindeer populations in her native Hardangervidda region. This isn’t simply a new album release; it’s a sonic snapshot of a vanishing world, and a plea for action. This is breaking news for music lovers and environmental advocates alike, signaling a shift in Maurseth’s artistic focus towards direct environmental activism.
From Pastoral Dreams to a Warning Call: The Evolution of a Diptych
‘Hairy’ and ‘Myrrh’ form a deliberate diptych, deeply rooted in the landscape of Hardangervidda, Norway’s largest plateau. While ‘Hairy’ unfolded as a sweeping, almost operatic exploration of nature and human connection – weaving together field recordings, family archives, and birdsong – ‘Myrrh’ adopts a more focused, and unsettling, approach. Maurseth, profoundly influenced by the deep ecology philosophy of Arne Næss, has traded expansive storytelling for an intimate portrayal of reindeer herds and the threats they face.
The album features a returning ensemble of Håkon Mørch Stene on percussion, Mats Eilertsen on bass, and the addition of multi-instrumentalist and pianist Morten Qvenild. Together, they create a soundscape characterized by repetition, loops, and samples of the natural world – the wind, the trampling of hooves, the very breath of the reindeer. This isn’t background music; it’s designed to immerse the listener in the reindeer’s territory, to make you *feel* the landscape.
A Minimalist Darkness: Reflecting a Real Threat
Critics are noting a distinct shift in tone. Where ‘Hairy’ evoked a “luxuriant animal symphony,” ‘Myrrh’ is described as “minimalist and dark.” This isn’t an aesthetic choice alone. Maurseth, described as an “animist creator,” intends to convey the very real risk of extinction facing these animals. Tracks like “Kvittkrull” – named after a crucial reindeer food source that is rapidly disappearing – serve as poignant reminders of the fragility of the ecosystem. This album isn’t about idyllic pastoral scenes anymore; it’s about loss.
Evergreen Insight: The decline of reindeer populations isn’t isolated to Hardangervidda. Climate change, habitat loss, and human encroachment are impacting reindeer and caribou herds across the Arctic and subarctic regions. Understanding these broader trends is crucial to appreciating the urgency of Maurseth’s message.
Sonic Landscapes and Conscious Listening
The album’s power lies in its ability to create a visceral experience. Tracks like “Nysnø Over Reinlav” (Fresh Snow Over Lichen) – a nearly eight-minute exploration of musique concrète, string arrangements, vibraphone, and Qvenild’s virtuosic piano improvisation – aim to overwhelm the senses, to “wash the earth of human ignominy.” It’s a heavy task, but one Maurseth tackles with unwavering artistic commitment.
Reviewers are drawing parallels to the work of Pauline Oliveros, whose “Quantum Listening” manifesto emphasizes the importance of deep, conscious listening. ‘Myrrh’ demands this kind of attention, revealing its beauty and complexity gradually, like a photograph developing in a darkroom. It’s a photosensitive album, capturing a fleeting moment in time before it’s gone.
Maurseth’s music, while less overtly grandiose than ‘Hairy,’ retains a powerful artistic will. It’s a testament to her talent that she can transform a deeply personal connection to the land into a universal call to action. This album isn’t just about protecting reindeer; it’s about recognizing our interdependence with the natural world.
The release of ‘Myrrh’ leaves listeners anticipating a potential third installment in this compelling series, and hoping that Maurseth’s powerful voice continues to resonate in the fight for environmental preservation. For those seeking music that is both aesthetically rewarding and ethically engaged, ‘Myrrh’ is essential listening.
