Floating Points has released Mere Mortals, his first full-length ballet score and debut album for Deutsche Grammophon.
The 14-track album arrives today alongside the European premiere of the ballet at the Edinburgh International Festival, where Sam Shepherd will perform live with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
Commissioned by San Francisco Ballet Artistic Director Tamara Rojo, Mere Mortals is based on the myth of Pandora and was first staged in San Francisco in 2024. The production features choreography by Aszure Barton, with design and visuals by Hamill Industries.
Shepherd recorded the score with the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra, combining orchestral writing with electronics and live synthesizers. The album includes the previously released Falling to Earth, alongside pieces including Hope, Her Gift and Nowhere to Land.
“The whole album explores the myth of Pandora,” says Shepherd. “Pandora’s not about bringing hell to Earth. She really represents curiosity and change.”
Following its Edinburgh run from 28 to 30 August, Mere Mortals will be performed at Sadler’s Wells in London from 9 to 12 September, with Shepherd joining the Royal Ballet Sinfonia.
Listen to Mere Mortals here.
