berekekê is a Spanish composer hailing from Cádiz who showcases his avant-garde and experimental style in his latest album, Historias de Nela (Nela’s stories). Inspired by the novel Marianela by Benito Pérez Galdós, berekekê takes listeners on a captivating musical journey that combines classical elements with his own unique artistic vision.
Celebrating twenty years of his career as a composer, berekekê draws inspiration from the novel that captured his interest and sparked the idea of creating a soundtrack based on Nel’s story. To bring these compositions to life, berekekê delved into multiple readings of the novel, seeking the essential elements that define the characters and contexts. The result is an album that not only pays homage to Galdós’s work but also stands on its own as a testament to berekekê’s creative prowess.
Historias de Nela incorporates instruments beyond the traditional orchestra, adding depth and richness to the musical narrative without detracting from Galdós’s script. These additional instruments enhance certain moments, effectively describing and contextualising the story. It’s important to note that the album is intertwined with Galdós’s novel, as it relies on and pays homage to the original work. Without reading Galdós’s novel, Historias de Nela may not be fully appreciated, as it complements and adds another layer of meaning to the literary masterpiece.
While berekekê’s compositions on the album adhere to current guidelines followed by many composers in film and audiovisual media, they possess a distinctive personal style influenced by his own experiences, knowledge, and creative limitations. The album reflects an attitude of artistic freedom, unburdened by ambition and driven by the desire to create on one’s own terms. Embarking on a masterful exploration of modern orchestral music, berekekê treats listeners to a dynamic and captivating experience. The seventeen-track album takes listeners on a mesmerising journey, combining traditional and forward-thinking compositions, and blending classical and modern instrumentation.
The opening track, “Adelante, siempre adelante,” immediately immerses listeners in a playful arrangement filled with rhythm and suspense. The composition sets the tone for the rest of the album, inviting listeners into a world where surprises await at every turn. From the minimalist and spacey synth tones of “En las entrañas: galerías” to the ominous atmosphere and crunching sonic textures of “Un monstruo removiendo las entrañas de La Tierra,” berekekê showcases his ability to create diverse musical landscapes that evoke emotions and captivate the imagination.
As the album nears its conclusion, berekekê leaves listeners with the aptly-titled closing song, “Final.” This piece serves as a testament to his astonishing creativity and compositional flair, offering one last glimpse into the depth of berekekê’s musical world. Overall, Historias de Nela (Nela’s stories) is a remarkable work of neo-classical music. berekekê’s ability to merge traditional and contemporary elements, combined with his thoughtful compositions and attention to detail, results in an epic and thought-provoking album. With this release, berekekê solidifies his position as a composer who pushes boundaries, creating music that resonates with the listener long after the final notes fade away. You can keep up to date with berekekê on his website here.
Listen to Historias de Nela (Nela’s stories) below
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