Robert Sholl, Justin Paterson, Anna McCready & Andy Visser - Les ombres du Fantôme (2024)

Les ombres du Fantôme presents a captivating exploration of Gaston Leroux’s timeless novel Le Fantôme de l’Opéra (1910) through fourteen evocative improvisations. Recorded in May and July 2021 using the majestic organs of Coventry and Arundel Cathedrals, accompanied by soprano voice and saxophone/bass clarinet, these improvisations delve deep into the narrative, themes, characters, and events of Leroux’s masterpiece. Employing an inventive musical language and leveraging the unique acoustics of these historic buildings, Les ombres du Fantôme transcends the physical realm, delivering a dynamic spectralism that immerses listeners in a sonic journey enhanced and extended through retrospective electronic augmentations.

Each improvisation within this collection acts as a thematic shadow, weaving a meta-narrative of Leroux’s iconic tale. Drawing inspiration from previous works, including an improvisation for a film scene and music composed for a podcast, the album intricately captures the essence of the novel, from the haunting presence of the Phantom to Christine’s desires and fears. Through the interplay of organ, soprano, and woodwinds, the album evokes the supernatural allure and psychological depth of Leroux’s narrative, offering a rich auditory experience that transcends traditional storytelling.

The meticulous production process behind Les ombres du Fantôme combines traditional recording techniques with innovative digital manipulation, resulting in a mesmerizing blend of sonic textures and timbral variations. From the haunting echoes of cathedral spaces to the ethereal harmonies of spectral editing, each track resonates with a sense of mystery and intrigue, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the timeless allure of Leroux’s Phantom of the Opera. Les ombres du Fantôme is more than just an album—it’s a sonic exploration that transcends time and space, offering a captivating reinterpretation of a literary classic.

Robert Sholl, a distinguished educator and scholar, teaches at The Royal Academy of Music and the University of West London. His expertise lies in twentieth-century music, improvisation to film, and live performance. Robert’s research, recitals at prestigious venues and recordings of improvisation to film demonstrate his profound musicality and scholarly contributions to the field.

Justin Paterson is a respected Professor of Music Production at London College of Music, University of West London (UWL). His research spans multi-mic recordings, interactive music playback, and collaborations with leading industry partners such as the BBC and Sony Interactive Entertainment. Justin is also co-chair of the Innovation in Music conference series and serves as a consultant to RT Sixty Ltd for innovative music apps.

Tracklist
01. The Ghost with the Death's Head
02. You Must Love Me
03. The Angels Wept Tonight
04. At the Graveyard in Perros-Guirec
05. The Enchanted Violin - The Resurrection of Lazarus
06. The Chandelier
07. Masked Ball
08. Souterrain - "Everything That Is Underground Belongs to Him"
09. I Am Don Juan Triumphant!
10. Christine! Christine!
11. From the Cellars to the House on the Lake
12. In the Torture Chamber
13. La mort du Fantôme
14. Epilogue