French composer and pianist Melaine Dalibert has a new LP due out Jan. 20 that is sure to earn the respected artist an even greater international following. Magic Square, out on the FLAU label, is a sparsely elegant collection of eight new pieces.
The album’s first single is a tribute to Ryuichi Sakamoto, who received a stage-four cancer diagnosis earlier this year. It is entitled simply “A Song.”
Dalibert has applied algorithms and arithmetic concepts to his work in the past. The new album is neatly structured, but more emotional than its math-game title would suggest. Magic Square is a quietly provocative listening experience, with an impressive range given its minimalist nature.
Dalibert received classical music training in both Paris and Rennes, where he teaches currently. He has worked with David Sylvian, Sylvain Chauveau and Ensemble 0.