Max Richter previews new album with third single "Origins"

24 July 2020, 13:14 | Written by Cerys Kenneally

(News)

(Max Richter)

Max Richter has released new track "Origins" as the third single from his forthcoming album Voices, which is inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

"Origins" arrives after earlier offerings "Mercy" and "All Human Beings".

The new track saw Richter source readings of the Declaration in different languages, resulting in him receiving submissions in over 70 languages.

Richter says, "At such times it is easy to feel hopeless but just as the problems of our world are of our own making, so the solutions can be. While the past is fixed, the future is yet unwritten, and the Declaration sets out an uplifting vision of a better and fairer world that is within our reach if we choose."

Voices is Richter's ninth studio LP, following on from 2015's SLEEP.

The composer's new album features narration from US actor Kiki Layne (If Beale Street Could Talk), and saw Richter score the pieces for 12 double basses, 24 cellos, six violas, eight violins, a harp and a 12-piece choir. Richter plays keyboards, and the LP features conntributions from violin soloist Mari Samuelsen, soprano Grace Davidson and conductor Robert Ziegler.

"Origins" is out now. Max Richter's Voices album will be released 31 July via Decca Records.