Belgian composer, organist and musicologist Sander De Keere has signed to Brighton-based indie label Phantom Limb and released a new song titled Pt 6.
Recorded on a faithful replica of a 1763 Contius baroque organ (constructed in 2022), the seven-minute composition is designed to pay homage to this heritage instrument and explore how it can be reinvented and reinvigorated in the modern age.
“You feel the music through your whole body”, De Keere said of playing the organ. “It’s incredibly physical. Each register holds a sonic character, and combining them becomes a kind of alchemy.”
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The song was recorded at the historic St Catharina Church in Wondelgem (Ghent, Belgium), and this spiritual setting seeps easily into the landscape of Pt 6, a track that smoothly blends minimalism and electronic experimentation.
This reflects De Keere’s place in the world of music; born in Ghent and raised in Brussels, he focuses on bridging the gaps between historical music and contemporary sound, supplementing his releases with classical music lecturing and broadcasting.
On Pt. 6 De Keere’s aim was to create “landscapes that challenge expectations of what a pipe organ can be”, with nods to early sacred music, mid-century minimalism, the classical avant-garde and modern electronic experimentation.
And his ambitions run far beyond this release. Having signed to Phantom Limb, the rising Belgian composer is preparing to release his debut album later this year. Watch this space.
