The Moon Exalted

Album: Dr Dee (2012)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Dr Dee is an opera scored by Damon Albarn. The work combines Elizabethan English instruments with acoustic guitar and harmonium played by the Blur frontman and drums performed by Nigerian percussionist Tony Allen. It also features a twenty-piece orchestra, which was provided by the BBC Philharmonic and conducted by André de Ridder. In addition, this song features the West African stringed instrument, the kora, which is played by Malian Madou Diabate.
  • On the face of it, the opera is based on the life of mathematician and occultist John Dee, who was an advisor to Elizabeth I. However, the work is not entirely set in the Elizabethan era. Albarn explained to The Sun: "I'm in a strange world with it. It's not Elizabethan. The album is informed by my fascination with that era but it feels to me like it's still very much in the modern world. I don't think I would have been able to sing about my country or Queen without having this extraordinary man John Dee to help frame my thoughts. He enabled me to address my relationship with England."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull

Ian Anderson of Jethro TullSongwriter Interviews

The flautist frontman talks about touring with Led Zeppelin, his contribution to "Hotel California", and how he may have done the first MTV Unplugged.

00s Music Quiz 1

00s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

Do you know the girl singer on Eminem's "Stan"? If so, this quiz is for you.

Justin Timberlake

Justin TimberlakeFact or Fiction

Was Justin the first to be Punk'd by Ashton Kutcher? Did Britney really blame him for her meltdown? Did his bandmates think he was gay?

Harold Brown of War

Harold Brown of WarSongwriter Interviews

A founding member of the band War, Harold gives a first-person account of one of the most important periods in music history.

Brenda Russell

Brenda RussellSongwriter Interviews

Brenda talks about the inspiration that drove her to write hit songs like "Get Here" and "Piano in the Dark," and why a lack of formal music training can be a songwriter's best asset.

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy Talent

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy TalentSongwriter Interviews

The frontman for one of Canada's most well-known punk rock bands talks about his Eddie Vedder encounter, Billy Talent's new album, and the importance of rock and roll.