Illuminated River have produced four new short films of the Illuminated River bridges – London, Cannon Street, Southwark and Millennium - so you can enjoy the artwork from the comfort and safety of your home in a meditative visual and musical experience.
Each film is accompanied by an original score composed and produced by students from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and inspired by the unique heritage and architecture of a specific Illuminated River bridge. From sweeping orchestral scores to minimalist electronic pieces, Illuminated River commissioned the new bridge music to mark the illumination of the first four bridges in July 2019.
We hope the films encourage you to take a mindful moment out of your day as you journey through the mesmerising Illuminated River artwork.
You can listen to the full set of new music for the Illuminated River bridges via Soundcloud.
London Bridge
Film: Paul Crawley
Luminosity
Original Score by Christopher Short
This composition gives insight into the forever changing landscape of London. The popular nursery rhyme “London Bridge is Falling Down” is incorporated in the Clarinet solo, whilst a xylophone motif looks to the future of London Bridge, replicating the twinkling of light on the river rendered by Leo Villareal’s kinetic artwork.
Read more about Christopher's piece and other student compositions inspired by London Bridge in our blog post.
Cannon Street Bridge
Film: Paul Crawley
In Motion
Original Score by Sam Dinley
This piece was predominantly composed on-site, on the bank of Cannon Street Bridge. Taking the compositional process outside of the studio was essential in creating an authentic piece of music that stays true to the vision of Leo Villareal and Illuminated River. It blends field recordings and electronics with a live orchestra, to create a musical timeline.
Read more about Sam's piece and other student compositions inspired by Cannon Street Bridge in our blog post.
Southwark Bridge
Film: Paul Crawley
Reflection
Original Score by James Grout-Smith
This piece draws upon the work of impressionist composers Ravel and Debussy and reflects both the warm hues and the constant feeling of flow and movement embodied by Leo Villareal's artwork for Southwark Bridge.
Read more about James' piece and other student compositions inspired by Southwark Bridge in our blog post.
Millennium Bridge
Film: Paul Crawley
The Third Age
Original Score by Finn Murphy
This composition invokes themes of postmodernism and the digital era in which we live. Millennium bridge is the youngest to cross the Thames and supposes a youthfulness that is mirrored in this electronic music.
Read more about Finn's piece and other student compositions inspired by Millennium Bridge in our blog post.
