In the bustling heart of London’s music scene, French-British composer Jean-Loup Pinson has carved a reputation as a boundary-pushing artist with a knack for merging seemingly disparate worlds. His latest project, A Moment of Deathlessness, might just be his most ambitious yet. By intertwining Emily Dickinson’s 19th-century poetry with contemporary hip-hop and choral music, Pinson has created an EP that feels as timeless as it is cutting-edge.
At its core, the album explores universal themes—truth, desire, mortality—filtered through contrasting voices and styles. The Carice Singers, one of the UK’s most celebrated chamber choirs, lend their ethereal harmonies to Dickinson’s evocative verses. Complementing them are the raw, urban voices of spoken-word artists Armanious and Tanaka Fuego, whose contributions inject a sharp immediacy into the album’s introspective atmosphere. It’s a combination that shouldn’t work but does, thanks to Pinson’s meticulous composition and production.
Pinson’s vision is bold. “Emily Dickinson’s poetry speaks to universal themes of existence, and I wanted to explore those ideas from contrasting angles,” he explains. “The collaboration between a classical choir and contemporary hip-hop artists seemed like a compelling way to examine the enduring relevance of her work.”
That vision comes to life in tracks like “Wild Nights \ Desire,” where Dickinson’s reflective words are enveloped in lush choral arrangements that transition seamlessly into a rhythmic, beat-driven spoken-word performance. The effect is almost cinematic—a juxtaposition of fragility and power that mirrors the themes at play.
Another standout, “Tell All The Truth \ Surrender,” takes Dickinson’s iconic metaphor and reimagines it through Tanaka Fuego’s gritty, modern lens. The track’s hypnotic electronic undertones underscore the resilience at its heart, making the poetry feel as relevant today as it did over a century ago.
Pinson’s career is a testament to his versatility. Known for his work in film, television, and theatre, he has scored projects as varied as the Ophir-nominated film The Art of Waiting and the contemporary dance production Comrades in the Dark. With, A Moment of Deathlessness, he channels that experience into an album that feels like a sonic exploration of identity and time.
The production throughout the EP is both intricate and purposeful. Pinson strikes a delicate balance between the grandeur of choral arrangements and the grounded authenticity of spoken word. His use of electronic elements adds a modern sheen, tying the two worlds together in a way that feels organic rather than forced.
What makes, A Moment of Deathlessness, particularly striking is how it brings new perspectives to Dickinson’s work. While her poetry has inspired countless musical adaptations, few have ventured beyond traditional interpretations. Pinson’s decision to collaborate with hip-hop artists reflects his belief in the enduring relevance of Dickinson’s themes, reframing her words for a generation grappling with its own truths and uncertainties.
This approach is not without its challenges. The shifts in tone and style between tracks can feel jarring at times, and some purists may baulk at the liberties taken with Dickinson’s text. But for those willing to embrace the album’s adventurous spirit, it offers a rich, multi-layered listening experience.
Jean-Loup Pinson’s, A Moment of Deathlessness, is more than an album—it’s a bold artistic statement that redefines the boundaries of classical and contemporary music. By giving Emily Dickinson’s poetry a modern voice, Pinson not only pays homage to her legacy but also underscores its relevance in today’s world.
Whether you’re drawn to the timeless beauty of choral music or the raw energy of spoken word, this EP invites you to experience both in harmony. It’s a project that asks big questions and doesn’t settle for easy answers, making it as thought-provoking as it is beautiful.
For fans of genre-defying music, Jean-Loup Pinson’s, A Moment of Deathlessness, is a must-listen.
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