Max Richter Completes First Ever Public Overnight Gig

Last night from midnight to 8am the Max Richter Ensemble performed the 8 hour lullaby ‘SLEEP’ in its entirety at the first ever public concert, at Kraftwerk in Berlin, where audience members were given beds. “Thanks everyone for making the premiere such an amazing experience. We’ve been working on making this happen for a couple of years, and it’s been a thrill to finally make this voyage through the night with you, and to hear all your incredible feedback. I’m going to get some rest now, but I’m looking forward to the second night!”, Max said before bed. ‘SLEEP’ was written with the genuine intention of sending the listener to sleep. The acclaimed, landmark work is scored for piano, strings, electronics and vocals – but no words. “It’s my personal lullaby for a frenetic world,” Max says. “A manifesto for a slower pace of existence.”

His previous work 'Songs From Before', originally released in 2006 and featuring Robert Wyatt reading text from Haruki Murakami, is set for a remastered heavyweight vinyl release in May. David Bowie said of the album, “It has the power to produce tears when listened to in the right setting. I find it hard not to contribute a vocal to when the fancy takes me.”

For further information on 'SLEEP' and 'Songs from Before' look HERE. Photo credit Stefan Höderath.