A Rebirth From The Earth

Erland Cooper's intriguing project has given nature and two determined fans a hand in shaping and bringing his new album to light

TO Orkney-born composer Erland Cooper, the environment has always been part collaborator, part muse. The islands' influence is particularly audible across his acclaimed "Orcadian" triptych: across three wild and elegant neoclassical albums dedicated to the air, sea and land, field recordings play accompanist and backing singer.

Erland was, however, just getting started. His latest work, Carve The Runes Then Be Content With Silence, is being billed as a true "cocomposition" with the land. Originally written and recorded three years ago, the music - recorded to 1/4-inch magnetic tape, and all digital copies deleted - was then buried deep in the ground near Erland's childhood home in Stromness.

Later unearthed by two music fans who had followed a trail of clues to its location set by the composer, the tape then toured Scottish record shops to dry out. In late spring, Erland finally got to hear how the work had been re-shaped by the soil.