Max Richter to Release Album Derived From Atwood-Inspired Ballet Score
Composer Max Richter will release the album While the Flood Rages on October 16, featuring 15 tracks drawn from his score for the ballet MaddAddam, which was inspired by Margaret Atwood's post-apocalyptic trilogy. The standalone work explores themes of technological acceleration, ecological crisis, and human connection. The first single, "Now We Can Sing," is available now, with the full tracklist yet to be revealed.
The upcoming release, arriving October 16, compiles fifteen pieces from Richter's ballet score for *MaddAddam*, which itself draws from Margaret Atwood's dystopian trilogy. The standalone record centers on rapid technological change, environmental collapse, and interpersonal bonds, with the introspective track "Now We Can Sing" serving as its initial preview.
This project represents Richter's third partnership with choreographer Wayne McGregor, following their earlier efforts on *Three Worlds* and *Infra*. The composer has also been productive in his solo career, issuing *In a Landscape* in 2024 and a reimagining of Vivaldi in 2022.
This release could resonate strongly with listeners who are increasingly anxious about climate disruption and rapid technological shifts, offering a contemplative musical lens on these pressing issues. By translating a literary dystopia into an accessible standalone album, Richter may also bridge the gap between high-concept ballet and mainstream ambient audiences. Furthermore, it could reinforce the growing trend of composers using speculative fiction to frame contemporary existential concerns.