Apparat – Krieg und Frieden (Music for Theatre)

Commissioned by noted German theatre producer Sebastian Hartmann, Berlin-based independent musician Apparat has been selected to score the new production of Tolstoy’s famed epic novel War and Peace, written about the French invasion of 19^th century Russia. This stark and tumultuous subject matter is easily detectable from the outset of this ten-track concept album.

Earning international fame from his unique electronic and experimental sound, Apparat has tackled this project with a discerning eye, avoiding the many possible musical clichés that loom when tackling historic sagas on a scale as grandiose as War and Peace.

Opening with 44, the composer includes droning synths and sporadic cello (supplied by cellist Phillip Timm) – an almost unchanging union throughout.  The track is followed by a “noise” version, which bears no variation, and really represents the suffering of war, if only in an audible sense.

Light On is the album’s highlight, and acts as a down-tempo beacon amidst the battlefield of the bland. This is one of only two tracks to feature vocals, and showcases the artist’s ability to evoke an ultra-modern ambience, manipulating layered vocals and muted drum loops, culminating in an ethereal neo-trance sound.

Tracks six and seven are the most traditionally structured songs, featuring horns, chord progressions, and elegant violin courtesy of Christoph Hartmann.

Closing track A Violent Sky seems positively up-tempo by comparison, and brings an arpeggiated cool to the proceedings, salted with hi-hat cadences and more trademark electro-vox. 

Destined to tour, it will be interesting to see how the unique wall of sound will translate to a live audience without losing its surreal intricacy. 

Verdict: •••

Victoria Sanz-Henry

Apparat – Krieg und Frieden (Music for Theatre) was released on 18^th February 2013.