New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Today, celebrated British cellist and composer Peter Gregson has released his self-titled album, Peter Gregson. Out now via Decca Records US, the album is the purest representation of his artistry. Recorded with sounds produced from his hand-built synthesizer, Gregson continues to lay the groundwork for why he is one of the most exciting and innovative composers of our time. Listen to the album here and watch the music video for "Constellation" here.
Speaking on his special creation, Gregson says "A modular synthesizer typically would have an oscillator, and then go into filters, maybe a sequencer, reverb, delays—things to create a complete sound world," he explains. Gregson's bespoke set-up comprises similar elements, including a series of samplers and sequencers. "But the big thing is that it doesn't have any oscillators; it only has a mic input for the cello." The synthesizer, he notes, actually allows him to use every sound the cello can produce, including coarse scrapes and subsonic rumbles, for expressive purposes.
Gregson says, writing the album was an organic process. "I would start with a melody, or even just a sound, and then flesh it out from that," he explains. Using his modular synthesizer, he spent days trying to realize sounds he heard in his head in order to bring his arrangements to life.
Peter Gregson is a collection of nine "songs without words". Although they have no lyrics, you can hear the lyrical penmanship within the heart-wrenching melodies - a nod to the Romantic-era notion popularized by 19th-century composer Felix Mendelssohn - showcasing Gregson's signature cello sound and modular synthesizer.
Gregson has released six solo albums since 2010 including three for Deutsche Grammophon. He has composed multiple film scores including A LittleChaos starring Kate Winslet, television, ballet, and video games including Blackbird, BBC's BAFTA nominated Lost Boys and Fairies and PlayStation's Boundless. His music has also been featured in popular television shows like Bridgerton and The New Pope, as well as fashion campaigns for brands including Balenciaga, Bvlgari, and Burberry. Additionally, Gregson has premiered works by composers that include Max Richter, Jóhann Jóhannson, Steve Reich, and many more.
