elpais.com
Max Richter: Sleep Turns 10, and AI is the Real Threat
Max Richter celebrates the 10th anniversary of his eight-hour opus "Sleep" with a new distilled version, "Sleep Circle," while addressing the challenges posed by AI in music.
- What are Richter's views on the impact of artificial intelligence on the music industry?
- Richter believes the real threat of AI lies not in its creative capabilities, but in the illegal use of copyrighted material for AI training, comparing it to the Napster era of illegal downloads and causing a setback for the music industry.
- How has Richter's work evolved since the release of "Sleep," and what impact has it had on his career?
- Sleep" significantly shifted Richter's relationship with his audience and led to more diverse collaborations, including film scores (Mary Queen of Scots), TV series (The Leftovers, Black Mirror), and fashion shows. His work has expanded to include a new violin concerto premiering next month.
- What is the significance of the 10th anniversary of Max Richter's "Sleep", and how is it being celebrated?
- Richter is celebrating the 10th anniversary of his eight-hour composition, "Sleep," with two sold-out concerts at Alexandra Palace in London, featuring 850 ticketed beds at À each. He's also releasing "Sleep Circle," a 90-minute distilled version of the original work.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a largely positive and celebratory framing of Max Richter's career and the anniversary of his work, Sleep. The headline (not provided, but implied by the context) would likely highlight the anniversary and success of the piece. The opening paragraphs focus on the positive aspects of Richter's adaptation to concert schedules and the success of Sleep, setting a positive tone. While it mentions challenges (like the copyright issue related to AI), the overall emphasis is on Richter's achievements and creative process.
Language Bias
The language used is generally positive and celebratory towards Richter and his work. Terms like "logradísima" (highly successful) and "superventas" (bestseller) are used to describe his compositions and their impact. While these aren't inherently biased, they contribute to a positive portrayal. The description of Sleep as a "nana ambient" (ambient lullaby) might subtly influence the reader's perception of its complexity, suggesting it's more soothing than challenging. There's also a playful comparison of string instrument sounds to peanut butter, which softens the tone.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Richter's success and creative process, omitting potential criticisms of his work or controversies surrounding his career. The discussion of AI and copyright infringement is brief and doesn't explore the issue in detail. This omission might create an incomplete picture for readers who are unaware of any potential negative aspects. The article also doesn't mention specific sales figures, offering only relative indicators like "bestseller" or mentions of streaming numbers. A balanced account would include more diverse perspectives and critical assessments.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by contrasting the traditional concert format with Richter's innovative approach, implying that one is superior to the other. While the article suggests that Richter's approach is more successful, it doesn't fully consider the advantages or nuances of the traditional format. The comparison between "crunchy" and "creamy" peanut butter is a lighthearted false dichotomy, but it highlights a similar pattern of oversimplifying complex considerations.
Gender Bias
The article mentions Richter's partner, Yulia Mahr, but only briefly in relation to the inspiration for Sleep. Her role as a visual artist and her contributions are not explored further. The focus remains primarily on Richter's achievements. This highlights a potential gender bias in terms of the relative prominence given to the contributions of each individual.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights Max Richter's success in the music industry, spanning various formats from traditional concerts to film scores and collaborations. His work challenges traditional concert formats, making his music accessible to a wider audience. This indirectly contributes to reduced inequality by democratizing access to cultural experiences and potentially fostering greater inclusivity within the arts.