‘Falling To Earth’ precedes a full-length ballet score arriving later this year.
Photo Credit: Atiba Jefferson
Floating Points has released his debut single for Deutsche Grammophon, an extended composition titled ‘Falling to Earth.’ Recorded alongside the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra (SFBO), the track serves as the first look at his upcoming full-length project, Mere Mortals.
The release stems from a 2022 commission by Tamara Rojo, Artistic Director of the San Francisco Ballet. Shepherd composed the original score for the production, which premiered at the War Memorial Opera House in early 2024. For this recording, the artist performed live synthesizers alongside the orchestral ensemble to capture the ballet’s central themes.
‘Falling to Earth’ functions as a bridge between classical and electronic music, utilizing layered synths and orchestral arrangements. The composition explores the intersection of mythology and modern technology, reflecting the narrative arc of the Pandora-inspired stage production.
Sam Shepherd, known professionally as Floating Points, has built a reputation for cross-genre collaborations, notably his Mercury-shortlisted Promises with Pharoah Sanders and the London Symphony Orchestra. This latest work continues his transition into large-scale contemporary classical composition.
‘Falling to Earth’ is available now. Listen here.
