Rediscovering Mike Oldfield’s ‘Music of the Spheres’

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Mike Oldfield’s Music of the Spheres, released in 2008, stands as a testament to the artist’s versatility and musical genius. This 24th studio album marked Oldfield’s first foray into classical composition, blending his signature rock/New Age music style with orchestral elements to create a truly unique listening experience. Despite its initial success, I believe it is safe to say that Music of the Spheres remains somewhat underappreciated in Oldfield’s extensive catalog. Join me in this rediscovery of Music of the Spheres!

The 2008 release represented a significant shift in Oldfield’s musical journey. Known primarily for his progressive rock and New Age music compositions, Music of the Spheres saw him collaborating with renowned classical musicians. The album features contributions from New Zealand soprano Hayley Westenra and Chinese pianist Lang Lang. Many listeners though, accustomed to his more rock-oriented works, may have overlooked this classical venture. However, the album showcases Oldfield’s ability to evolve as an artist while maintaining his unique expression.

The album’s concept is rooted in the ancient philosophical idea of Musica universalis. This theme is felt from beginning to end, with each track evoking the grandeur and mystery of the cosmos. The result is, in my opinion, a complex, layered masterpiece that flows beautifully. It reveals a relaxed character while maintaining the artist’s signature style. The album is mentioned in the end of his autobiography Changeling.

Oldfield’s approach to composing Music of the Spheres was both innovative and meticulous. He utilized music notation software Sibelius on an Apple Macintosh to create the orchestral score. The album was recorded at the prestigious Abbey Road Studios with the assistance of Karl Jenkins, further elevating its classical credentials.

Sample the album and find it on your favorite streaming service:

Tidal 🎵 Youtube Music
 

Upon its release, Music of the Spheres was met with considerable acclaim. It entered the UK Classical charts at number 1 and the UK Albums Chart at number 9, making it Oldfield’s most successful album of the 2000s. The album was even nominated for a Classical BRIT award in 2009, cementing its place in the classical music landscape (source).

What sets Music of the Spheres apart is its seamless integration of Oldfield’s rock background with classical elements. The album features haunting flutes, Steve Henderson’s timpani, and crisp classical guitar, all combined to create an elegant and expansive sound. This unique blend allows the album to appeal to both Oldfield’s long-time fans and classical music enthusiasts.

Music of the Spheres stands as a testament to Oldfield’s willingness to embrace change and experiment with new forms. It has inspired other artists to explore the intersection of rock and classical music, paving the way for more cross-genre collaborations.

I think Music of the Spheres is a remarkable achievement that deserves greater recognition. It represents not only a high point in Mike Oldfield’s career of this period but also a significant contribution to New Age music. For those willing to embark on a celestial journey through sound, this album offers a truly transcendent and timeless experience. Highly recommended! 

See our Mike Oldfield coverage: newagemusic.guide/tag/mike-oldfield

(Wow, I wrote all of that without mentioning Tubular Bells, not even once! That must be some kind of a record 😊)

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