Paul McCartney noticed that the digital readout of the music for Ocean's Kingdom resembled a New York skyline, an idea that influenced the ballet's artwork.
Recording & Production
This album includes two recordings of Ocean's Kingdom: a studio recording by the London Classical Orchestra and a bonus live gala premiere recording by the New York City Ballet Orchestra.
Composition History
Paul McCartney composed his first ballet, Ocean's Kingdom, after being commissioned by Peter Martins, the director of New York City Ballet, in 2009.
Compositional Technique
Paul McCartney's score for Ocean's Kingdom includes a 'She's Leaving Home' diminished chord, a harmonic fingerprint noted by orchestrator John Wilson.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Paul McCartney approaches composing music by not knowing what's supposed to happen, finding out as he goes, and basing his work on personal experience, similar to how he feels the blues.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The story of Ocean's Kingdom, devised by Paul McCartney, reflects concerns about the environment, with a subplot where the ocean is threatened by people from Earth.
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