OUT NOW | Violist Nic Pendlebury's New Album "Multiple"

Orchid Classics announced the release of violist Nic Pendlebury's album "Multiple," which uses sound loops and multi-tracking to create a hypnotic atmosphere.

Pendlebury's inspiration behind the repertoire on the disc came from the fact that there isn't much repertoire for the classical electric viola.

"This is a relatively new venture which began about five years ago when I purchased my electric viola," he told The Violin Channel. "I was interested in what had been written for the instrument and, to my surprise, discovered that there was virtually nothing."

"I’m really interested in the compositional possibilities a solid-bodied electric instrument has to offer," he added. "It produces a sonic signal that can be directly manipulated through computer programming, pedals and the like. I am curious and excited about the possibilities this combination can generate and believe this approach offers a plethora of opportunities for compositional narrative and soundworlds."

The project started four years ago when he transcribed Steve Reich’s Electric Counterpoint (originally written for electric guitar) for electric viola.

"I spoke to Steve about the idea and he gave me his blessing, curious I think as to what it might sound like," he said. "A year later I sent him the finished recording, which I’m relieved to say he loved!"

After recording the Reich piece, his sound designer John-Marc Gowans “so now what are you going to record?” As a joke, Pendlebury suggested Spem in Alium — a 40-part Renaissance motet by Thomas Tallis

"Somewhat crazily the joke turned into a reality and so the idea for an album of Multiple electric violas was born," he said."

The other two pieces on the album were commissioned by Pendlebury — one from the late John Ashton Thomas,  professor at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, and the other by alum Ell Kendall.

To listen to and purchase the album, click here.