Floating Points' First Ballet Score 'Mere Mortals' Reimagines Pandora Myth

Sam Shepherd, known as Floating Points, has composed his first ballet score, 'Mere Mortals', which reinterprets the myth of Pandora with a modern twist addressing climate change and AI. The commission came from Tamara Rojo, who recently took over the San Francisco Ballet. Shepherd's partner, Swedish dancer and choreographer Hannah Ekholm, suggested the Pandora myth as the theme. The ballet, choreographed by Aszure Barton with visuals by Hamill Industries, is now available as a self-produced recording. Shepherd's music blends classical instruments of the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra with his own synthesizers, creating a unique sound that goes beyond typical electro-classical clichés. The score features recurring violin motifs, references to Gustav Holst and Steve Reich, and a climactic free-jazz cacophony when Pandora's jar is opened. Shepherd, who has a classical background and gained fame with club music as Floating Points, previously achieved success with 'Promises', a jazz album with Pharoah Sanders and the London Symphony Orchestra. His first ballet experience was a choreography to Steve Reich's 'Music for 18 Musicians'. The recording allows listeners to experience the music without the choreography and visuals, highlighting Shepherd's skill as a dramatist. The ballet presents a feminist reading of Pandora, emphasizing curiosity and change rather than bringing hell to earth.