Max Richter, 49, is a Berlin-based composer, made famous for his work in HBO’S drama “The Leftovers” and in the film “Shutter Island.” His latest work, however, is his most daring: an eight and a half hour record with thirty-one tracks, entitled “Sleep.” It is meant to be listened to with your eyes closed, lying in bed and attempting to achieve full relaxation – Richter aims to literally lure the listener to sleep. He wants to reach the listeners on an emotional basis, helping them to succeed in longer and better sleep.
The album will debuted at a former power station in Berlin, from midnight til eight in the morning, where listeners will lie on beds arranged in a circle, with the performer at the hub. There will be several other live preformances, each with different variations on the environment. Factors like light and arrangement of beds will change at each show in hopes of discovering what enhances or discourages the listener’s sleep experience. Richter himself describes it as “a gigantic lullaby” intended for insomniacs and those who are chronically sleep deprived.
“It’s not everyday you see an artist trying to make his audience fall asleep,” stated Middletown High School senior Nate Spector with a smile. “Usually that’s an unintended side effect.”
Senior Sam Shearn agreed with him, adding that attending one of these live preformances would “definitely be a cool and unique experience.”
Ryan Lewis, a senior at MHS, said that he’s never heard of anything like that before, and “it’s really cool that someone can make an album that can do that.”
