Today marks the release of Scottish composer Erland Cooper‘s six-track EP and accompanying short film Never Pass Into Nothingness; the title, set against the bicentenary of John Keats, comes from the first stanza of Keats’ poem Endymion.
A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
Although Keats’ poem had a critical reception when first published in 1818, he never regretted writing it. In a letter to his publisher in which he responded to the criticism, he wrote:
In Endymion, I leaped headlong into the sea, and thereby have become better acquainted with the Soundings, the quicksands, and the rocks, than if I had stayed upon the green shore, and piped a silly pipe, and took tea and comfortable advice. I was never afraid of failure; for I would sooner fail than not be among the greatest.
That first line of his letter could equally apply to this latest project from Erland Cooper. Along with photographer and filmmaker Alex Kozobolis and Scottish songwriter and artist Kathryn Joseph, they seek reflection, solace and beauty in the examination of the smaller details that recent events have allowed to flourish.
The accompanying short film is available to watch now (see below). Directed by Kozobolis with the score by Cooper, the film was shot around The City of London amongst the area’s infamous modernist architecture.
Cooper explains: “In this 20-minute short film or long form music video by Alex, a score for piano, cello and tape-loop presents itself. It unfurls with each step and is about exploring the small details below your feet.”
The project was initially prompted by the Scottish filmmaker Margaret Tate, whose works gave Cooper the impetus to search for the natural world within the overtly urban environment he found himself in, and the enforced slowing down lent itself to work further on a deep listening practise. He goes on to explain, “Tate would often seek a kind of magic in her every day surroundings and ambient music can hold a mood and create a sort of landscape in itself. As singles seem to get shorter, I think there is a joy to be found in letting yourself slow down to the pace of the music”.
Although Erland Cooper doesn’t go leaping headlong into the sea, he comes close to getting wet in a fountain. This particular moment is so reminiscent of crossing a rural stream using precariously placed stones and rocks that it makes a beautiful statement all on its own.
Erland Cooper and renowned violinist Daniel Pioro recently journeyed across Orkney with Scottish poet George Mackay Brown’s An Orkney Tapestry as a guide. Along the way, Cooper planted his album, Carve the Runes Then Be Content With Silence, and BBC Radio 3 documented the journey. You can listen to the programme HERE.
Pre-order Carves the Runes Then Be Content With Silence, due to be exhumed and released in 2024, HERE.
Photo credit Samuel Davies