Acclaimed Pianist and Composer Rose Riebl Shares Cover of ‘Mad World’ by Tears For Fears
The cover is the first release from Ben Pierpoint’s new label [ B E N T : a shape ].
Image by Allissa Oughtred
Aussie pianist and post-classical composer Rose Riebl has released a cover of Tears For Fear’s iconic ‘Mad World’. The first release from artist manager Ben Pierpoint’s new label [ B E N T : a shape ], Riebl’s take on the 1982 tune is hauntingly beautiful. Even without the words, the song retains its melancholy vibe.
Riebl decided to record a version of ‘Mad World’ after performing the song at a close friend’s funeral six years ago. “I adore Tears for Fears, and this is such a simple, beautiful, haunting song,” she said in a press release according to Amnplify.
“While my version is instrumentally closer to the Gary Jules’ cover, it’s the original lyrics that capture an alienation many of us have felt at the edges of. In my version I came back to them a lot, and wanted to express the fractured/fractal nature of a city through the echoing, splintering piano layers; loneliness through the sparse piano sections; the finality and inevitability in that low, deep octave drop.”
Pierpoint, who launched his new label as a way to celebrate classical and ambient music had this to say about his new venture and working with Riebl: “I’ve been toying with the idea of creating a label-home for neo-classical, post-classical, and ambient music for 5+ years. So here it is, a home for those albums and side projects that are just a little bit bent.
“Meeting and working with Rose Riebl was the catalyst I was waiting on to press the go button. Rose has developed a distinct voice within the genre, creating stunning sonic universes for the audience to dive into and engage with.”
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A leader in Australia’s post-classical scene, Rose Riebl has performed at the biggest and best concert halls across Australia, Europe and Asia, including Beijing, Shanghai and Jiaxing recital centres.
Riebl released her debut album, Do Not Move Stones, via Icelandic label INNI in 2021. Critically praised, the album sold out of its first vinyl pressing within a few weeks and led to Riebl performing to packed crowds in Melbourne, Sydney, Paris, London and Reykjavik.
2021 saw Riebl record solo piano compositions in Harpa Concert Hall with Björk’s artistic director Bergur Thorisson, while in 2022 she scored the Emmy Award-winning doco Harley and Katya.
Riebl is currently recording her second LP Dust, which is set to drop in 2025.
Keep up to date with everything Rose Riebl has going on via her Instagram.
