Full Review

Maleen, Earth Ballet Review

Maleen is a Danish classically trained soprano and composer that creates multifaceted music inspired by classical, rock, and folk. She also finds inspiration in the majestic landscapes and natural beauty of the Danish landscape. Maleen started her musical career singing in her own rock band, which won several Danish song contests, and sang the classical music of the great composers. Maleen explains, “It’s interesting to mix the different genres. I love to play with the contrasts between light soprano voice and dark chest register sound and expose myself into everything from traditional classical use to Nordic Jojk and raw rock voice. I’m inspired by the scenery of mother nature and envision to awaken a deep connection to her when you listen to my music. I wish people to hesitate, relax and take better care of the Earth and each other.” Maleen’s first single, “Sad Ironic,” was released with an art music video filmed and directed by Lasse Spang Olsen on the Danish natural reserve. She has had several releases with producer George Keller, and she has taken center stage in the beautiful “Lux Aeterna” from the “Anastasis-Messe” by the Danish composer Frederik Magle. In addition, Maleen conducts the choir in the mass, and she has been the choreographer for all concert performances. Her urge to create new music has, over the years, led to experimental concerts such as “Wolf howl in Ulvedalene (Wolf Valleys)” and “Twilight concerts” in sacred rooms. Frederik Magle has also arranged the music for several of Maleen’s works, sometimes on the edge of symphonic metal. Maleen is now releasing “Earth Ballet,” collaborating with the Danish film composer Jørgen Lauritsen and the Swedish nyckelharpa player Erik Rydvall.

“Earth Ballet” brings Maleen’s angelic voice and a stirring sonic landscape paired with a music video made in collaboration with the director and scriptwriter Isabelle Denaro and the filmmaker Marco Denaro. The wonderfully flowing lyrics have a theme of taking care of the Earth and are, therefore, linked naturally to the existing public discourse about climate and the environment. Set to a captivating Nordic drumbeat, Maleen’s clear soprano introduces the theme and lyrics. Rydvall’s nyckelharpa adds various supporting colors and rhythms. As always, Maleen builds a tapestry of intricate vocal harmonies and counterpoints, all excellently executed with clear diction, pitch, and energy. Lauritsen’s orchestrations are thoughtful as each section builds and supports the melody. The nyckelharpa interlude is an impressive display of the sonic character of this seldom heard Nordic instrument. The ethereal bridge is guided by Maleen’s multilayer vocal parts that builds back to the original theme and cadential figure. Overall, “Earth Ballet” is a thrilling assortment of Nordic sounds offered by gorgeous singing, drum playing, and nyckelharpa playing combined with a stunning video. That’s the short of it!