New - Bertoia, Harry - Sonambient - 11xLP Box Set

Third Man Records, in partnership with John Brien and Celia Bertoia, has announced Harry Bertoia’s complete Sonambient LP collection, which will see a physical-only release on December 10, 2021. Bertoia was one of the most prolific sculptors of the postwar period, and the music on the 11 LPs in the collection was created by his metal sculptures which, when activated, created shimmering ambient drones and lush harmonic overtones.

Beginning in the 1950’s, renowned sculptor Harry Bertoia (1915-1978) created the term "Sonambient" to describe the sound and environment created by his beautiful metal sculptures. He curated a massive selection of his sculptures and gongs, resulting in a harmonious orchestra of his metal works, and recorded these sound experiments late into the night. Bertoia dedicated the last twenty years of his life to his sound work and in 1970 he released the first Sonambient LP. In 1978, in the final months of his life, he selected tapes from his archive and produced 10 more records. He wouldn't live long enough to see them through production, but they became legendary releases (and quite valuable) in the art/audio world.

The complete Sonambient LP collection features all 11 of Bertoia’s original records newly restored from their master tapes and housed in replica jackets. A deluxe box, printed with metallic inks and tip-on style print assembly, holds the 11 discs as well as a 80 page book containing a lengthy historic essay, Smithsonian interview with Harry Bertoia, exclusive Sonambient era material from the Bertoia archive, modern and archival photos of the Bertoia barn as well as reflections on Bertoia from various contributors.