Hans Appelqvist’s latest album, “In the Basement of Apollo Hall,” is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a profound exploration of music’s essence and purpose. Released on September 29th, this ambitious project showcases Appelqvist’s deep philosophical inquiry into the fundamental question: What is music, and why does it exist?
Drawing inspiration from the philosophical theories of Friedrich Nietzsche, Appelqvist employs the Greek gods Apollo and Dionysus to illustrate the inherent conflict within humanity—namely, the tension between order and chaos. This philosophical tension plays a pivotal role in music’s creation, and “In the Basement of Apollo Hall” delves into these opposing forces with remarkable depth and complexity.
In this musical odyssey, Apollo’s essence is represented through the delicate and intricate sounds of strings, while the Dionysian spirit is brought to life with rhythmic, percussion-driven beats and the distinctive tones of bassoons. The album’s creation spanned two years and involved collaboration with instrumentalists and orchestras from various European cities, including Stockholm, Budapest, Skopje, and Moscow. The resulting score, which accompanies the album, is presented in a magazine format and features an enlightening essay by artist Jorun Burman Berg.
To complement the auditory experience, a short film was crafted in collaboration with renowned puppeteer Björn Carlberg. This fictional TV program portrays a meeting between opera diva Gloria Janman and a music expert in a Paris studio, as they embark on a quest to unravel the philosophical essence of music.
Hans Appelqvist is a multifaceted artist who has garnered recognition for his work as a composer and musician. With a career spanning over two decades, he has released several albums, including “Swimmingpool,” “Sjunga slutet nu,” and “Bremort.” His talents extend beyond music, as he has composed for various film and stage productions that have been showcased at prestigious festivals like Sundance, Cannes, and Berlinale. In 2019, his musical contribution to the film “The Raft” received acclaim with an award for best original music at the IDA Documentary Awards in Los Angeles. Appelqvist’s artistic journey is a testament to his innovative and imaginative approach to sound, blending diverse musical elements into a unique and captivating sonic world.