In the realm of classical music, few artists have pushed the boundaries quite like British cellist Oliver Coates. Known for his innovative approach to composition and performance, Coates seamlessly blends traditional techniques with experimental elements, creating a sound that is both captivating and thought-provoking. Recently, he sat down to discuss the unlikely inspirations behind his work and how he manages to forge deep connections through his instrument.
The Shimmer of Nature
For Coates, the natural world serves as an endless source of inspiration. He often finds himself drawn to what he calls the “shimmer” – an elusive quality that he seeks to capture in his music. “The best music is actually out there in serendipity, nature, the forest,” he explains. “The way that a bird echoes off the trees is infinitely more beautiful and sustaining and varying than anything we do.”
This fascination with nature’s inherent musicality has led Coates to incorporate unconventional recording techniques into his process. He frequently invites the chaos of everyday life into his studio, allowing the sounds of his surroundings to seep into his compositions. “I tend to invite the chaos of life in,” he says. “There are accidents that can happen any time of day or night, and if I invest more in being present with family, then it might rub off in a way that’s better than me saying, ‘See you later guys, I’m going to go and make a masterpiece.'”
Accessibility Through Collaboration
Coates’ unconventional approach extends to his collaborations with filmmakers and other artists. He sees these partnerships as an opportunity to make classical music more accessible to a wider audience. “Managing to collaborate intensely with another person and reach a moment of peace has the chance to explode and ripple out for many other people,” he enthuses.
This commitment to accessibility is evident in his recent work on the score for the critically acclaimed film “Aftersun.” Director Charlotte Wells asked Coates to create music that would signify the idea of memory to the audience. The resulting score is a hauntingly beautiful blend of electronic and acoustic elements that perfectly captures the film’s dreamlike quality.
The Power of Connection
At the heart of Coates’ music lies a desire to forge meaningful connections with his listeners. Despite his virtuosic skills, he remains more interested in the emotional impact of his performances than in technical perfection. “You don’t want to be the guy that gets the guitar out at the party,” he laughs, “but there’s a moment where you can just play something – I’ve played in hospitals, some deep tones and some nice sweetness – and it does something for people.”
People singing to each other, or a cello in a kitchen – you can’t beat it. You can’t beat unexpected moments of beauty, which are free, totally part of life, not part of a career or other structure.
– Oliver Coates
As he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with the cello, Coates remains committed to creating music that resonates on a deeply human level. Whether he’s drawing inspiration from the natural world or collaborating with other artists, his ultimate goal is always to create something that will move and inspire his listeners. With his innovative approach and unwavering dedication to his craft, there’s no doubt that Oliver Coates will continue to be a driving force in the world of classical music for years to come.
