Deutsche Grammophon has just released a powerful recording of Jóhann Jóhannsson’s Drone Mass, a fascinating, haunting and major work by the late Icelandic composer. Conducted by Paul Hillier, the recording features Theatre of Voices and ACME - ensembles and artists who had all worked with Jóhannsson.

In this video, which introduces the music, some of those performers involved share their views of what Jóhannsson’s work means to them.

If you'd like to learn more about Drone Mass, Paul Hillier joined the latest episode of the Gramophone podcast to talk about the work, and about the experience of creative collaboration with Jóhannsson. You can listen to the episode below, while beneath that you can hear the Drone Mass itself via Apple Music. 

 (Photo of Jóhann Jóhannsson on the Features home page by Jónatan Grétarsson)

Welcome to Gramophone ...

We have been writing about classical music for our dedicated and knowledgeable readers since 1923 and we would love you to join them.

Subscribing to Gramophone is easy, you can choose how you want to enjoy each new issue (our beautifully produced printed magazine or the digital edition, or both) and also whether you would like access to our complete digital archive (stretching back to our very first issue in April 1923) and unparalleled Reviews Database, covering 50,000 albums and written by leading experts in their field.

To find the perfect subscription for you, simply visit: gramophone.co.uk/subscribe