Anders Lauge Meldgaard - The Art of Playing the Fantasia

Copenhagen based composer and multiinstrumentalist Anders Lauge Meldgaard, is proud to present his new album, The Art of Playing the Fantasia. Comprising a collection of meticulously crafted electronic pieces, this musical opus showcases Meldgaard's unique creativity and sonic artistry.

Drawing inspiration from the concept of concerto, Meldgaard skillfully positions the Electronic Wind Instrument (EWI) as the centerpiece of the album. The two longest tracks, "Have EWI Will Travel, by Bike" and "by Train," feature immersive improvisations recorded with the EWI—an innovative electronic wind instrument akin to an electric saxophone or flute. The album's subtitle, "An EWI Concerto," alludes to the (electronic) orchestral nature of the music, where the EWI assumes the role of the soloist, entwined with a tapestry of accompanying sounds and instruments that beautifully interact and harmonize.

Meldgaard's creative process for The Art of Playing the Fantasia was deeply influenced by the renowned Danish composer Bent Sørensen. Inspired by Sørensen's methodology in constructing his composition "Sterbende Gärten," Meldgaard conceived the album's lengthier tracks as extensions of his solo EWI improvisations. A unique approach emerged in "Have EWI Will Travel, by train," as Meldgaard employed a computer program developed by his brother, which utilizes John Conway's mathematical evolution principle—the Game of Life. Each evolving cell within the program corresponds to a sound or sample, resulting in a captivating sonic landscape that blooms and transforms organically.

Blending elements of free jazz, electronic music and contemporary composition, The Art of Playing the Fantasia" captivates listeners with its wild and balanced aesthetic. Meldgaard's EWI voice freely dances through the compositions, while the accompanying arrangements construct an intricate tapestry around this improvisational bird. The track titled "Jazz, Bold, and Buddhism," inspired by the Danish avant-garde artist Torben Ulrich, encapsulates the album's essence. Evoking the spirit of visionaries like Alice Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders, Meldgaard's music carries a distinctive quality that defies categorization—a testament to his artistry and originality. Meldgaard's artistic vision comes to life as he not only composes the music for the album, but also performs all the instruments on the recording. The result is an ethereal electronic ensemble that conjures an imaginative dreamt up orchestra.

Meldgaard's commitment to the creation of The Art of Playing the Fantasia is evident in the meticulous attention he dedicated to its development. Taking the necessary time to allow the music to blossom, he sought to create an album that truly embodies the essence of a new free-form electronic music. With this release, Meldgaard's profound musicality and boundary-pushing exploration are on full display, offering a unique and captivating listening experience.

The Art of Playing the Fantasia is released digitally by L.A. based label Sun Ark, run by Cameron Stallones, a.k.a. Sun Araw, and will be available via bandcamp on June 23rd. Copenhagen based label År & Dag is putting out an up-cycled mini-disc physical version of the album.

About Anders Lauge Meldgaard: Anders Lauge Meldgaard is a visionary composer and multiinstrumentalist based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Meldgaard's experimental creations push the boundaries of sonic expression, merging genres and embracing improvisation. With a rich tapestry of influences, Meldgaard crafts captivating musical journeys that resonate with audiences worldwide.