Planetarium (album)

Planetarium is a collaborative concept album released in 2017 by 4AD. The album is a song cycle exploring themes related to space, astronomy, and mythology through a blend of classical, indie rock, and electronic music. The core collaborators are Sufjan Stevens, Bryce Dessner (of The National), Nico Muhly, and James McAlister.

The project originated as a commission from Muziekgebouw Eindhoven in the Netherlands. Each member of the quartet brought their unique musical background to the project, resulting in a complex and layered soundscape. Stevens contributed vocals and lyrics, Dessner provided guitar work and compositional elements, Muhly focused on classical orchestration and electronic textures, and McAlister contributed drums, percussion, and electronic programming.

The album, clocking in at over 75 minutes, is structured around the solar system, with each planet receiving dedicated tracks, along with other celestial bodies and concepts. Lyrical themes explore the scientific properties of each planet as well as their mythological associations and personal reflections. The album's instrumentation includes synthesizers, strings, brass, guitars, and diverse percussion, creating a broad and atmospheric sonic palette.

"Planetarium" was accompanied by live performances featuring the core quartet along with additional musicians. These performances typically included elaborate lighting and visual projections designed to enhance the album's themes. The album was generally well-received by critics, who praised its ambition, originality, and the successful blending of diverse musical styles.