Songs from Before (Max Richter album)

Songs from Before is a studio album by German composer Max Richter, released in 2006 on FatCat Records. The album consists of piano-led compositions characterized by a minimalist and melancholic style. It features delicate melodies and subtle harmonies, often accompanied by ambient soundscapes and field recordings.

The album explores themes of memory, nostalgia, and the passage of time. It is considered a companion piece to Richter's earlier work, The Blue Notebooks, sharing a similar sonic palette and emotional depth. Songs from Before is largely instrumental, though fragments of spoken word and vocalizations are interwoven into the tracks. These elements add layers of texture and contribute to the album's overall atmosphere of introspection and contemplation.

The album received critical acclaim upon its release, with reviewers praising its emotional impact, evocative soundscapes, and compositional sophistication. It is often cited as a key work in Richter's discography and has contributed to his reputation as a leading figure in contemporary classical music. Tracks from Songs from Before have been featured in film, television, and other media.