Vannstand, by Maja S. K. Ratkje

Vannstand

by Maja S. K. Ratkje

supported by

	/

Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

69 NOK or more
Record/Vinyl + Digital Album
Includes unlimited streaming of Vannstand via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

ships out within 7 days

200 NOK or more

1.	Vannstand - Bergen A 04:08	buy track
2.	Vannstand - Harstad A 02:06	buy track
3.	Vannstand - Bergen B 05:31	buy track
4.	Vannstand - Stavanger A 06:53	buy track
5.	Vannstand - Harstad B 04:35	buy track
6.	Vannstand - Stavanger B 09:32	buy track
7.	Vannstand - Harstad C 03:10	buy track
8.	Vannstand - Oslo 03:13	buy track

about

’Vannstand’ (Sea Level) is a tribute to the slowly pulsating tidal shifts along the length of the Norwegian coastline. In Vannstand children are given the opportunity to reflect and respond musically to their relationship with the coast, the water and the sea.

The composer, Maja S. K. Ratkje states: "What could be more natural than kids making sounds as part of a composition that’s about our own future?"

Ratkje has been an outspoken voice on environmental issues for years. Vannstand is a continuation of this commitment where she unites new music and the inheritors of our planet. She uses local sea level measurements to create scores, which in turn are interpreted musically by children. She has done a tremendous job editing their contributions into a multidimensional piece that balances tension, clearity, beauty and playfulness.

One would imagine a piece regarding such enormous concepts as tidal waves (generated by the Moon's gravitational pulls) and changes in sea levels (affected by weather systems and climate changes) being a rather loud and harsh affair. Maybe this insinuation is connected to the impressive body of work she has done with noise music. Vannstand is in any case filled with subtle and precise fragments of grand dramas and sweet melodies. Over eight movements, the music is growing with close interplay and sudden shifts. The sound mix, based on 8 channel sound installations, is exquisite, obviously done by the composer.

The life-giving sea has been the basis for growth and development, and now human influence is changing the seemingly eternal cycle along the Norwegian coast.

Ratkje: "Sometimes you find yourself playing something that grows stronger and stronger, or sounds bigger and bigger. Sea levels may rise significantly, or just a bit, but they WILL rise."

The installations Vannstand was produced by nyMusikk.

credits

released April 9, 2021

Recorded, mixed and mastered by Maja S. K. Ratkje, Oslo, Bergen, Harstad, Stavanger, Svartskog.
Cover art by Frida Helene Haltli: “Verden og alt vi har hviler på barna våre”
Sleeve design by Egil Kalman.
Motvind Records.

license

about

Maja S. K. Ratkje Svartskog, Norway

“Anyone who has seen or heard Ratkje perform live will know what a superb musician she is, and one who can genuinely be said to be extending the expressive range of the voice through technical and technological means. Her work is celebratory and inclusive, an energising rallying call to those who are curious enough to peek out from behind the curtain of mainstream mediocrity.”
-The Wire
ratkje.com ... more

Recommendations

contact / help

Contact Maja S. K. Ratkje

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this album or account

Maja S. K. Ratkje recommends:

Selected Solo Works, Vol. 1
by Frode Haltli

Frode Haltli's triple album with contemporary classical music for accordion. Maja S. K. Ratkje
go to album
Music For Gardening (2009)
by Maja S.K. Ratkje / Lasse Marhaug

Collaboration with Lasse Marhaug. Noise/glitch, madness. Maja S. K. Ratkje
go to album
MAJAAP
by Maja Ratkje & Jaap Blonk

Acoustic freeform vocal improvisation with the mighty Jaap Blonk. Maja S. K. Ratkje
go to album

If you like Maja S. K. Ratkje, you may also like:

Live In Bergen
by Avant Joik

supported by 18 fans who also own “Vannstand”

This album is an absolute delight, linking in very well with some of the recent albums done by Maja Ratkje. The link with Joik makes a lot of sense. Herlo
go to album
Lost and Found
by J. Pavone String Ensemble

supported by 10 fans who also own “Vannstand”

This is an unusual string quartet – with two cellists and two violinists. The lines of their instruments clash, overlap, build a quasi-resonant echo or sinusoidal forms, harmonize, but also verge upon Penderecki-style horror. Yet this is not a conceptual digression, but a complete composition that requires the listener’s attention throughout – and the result is perfect. More: http://noweidzieodmorza.com/14428-the-best-of-astral-spirits/ Jakub Knera
go to album
Portico
by Unknown To Known

featured on Bandcamp Radio Nov 9, 2021
go to album