89. Brian Eno, An Ending (Ascent)
I’ve always listened to music while working. I wouldn’t call it “background music”—that seems insulting to the many excellent composers on my writing playlist, now nearly 29 hours of classical and ambient mixed. But it’s music that’s a tool for sinking into thought, not for active listening, at least not consciously so. It’s a mysterious alchemy, working music—if you notice it, it’s not working; but you notice its absence if it’s not there. The great Brian Eno has facilitated deep thinking for many years now. He co-composed this stunning song for a documentary on the Apollo space missions.
“An Ending (Ascent),” written and performed by Brian Eno, with Daniel Lanois and Roger Eno, 1983.
This post is part of Music 100, a love letter to songs. 100 words on 100 songs in 100 days, running from Groundhog Day through early June, 2025. Inspired by my MFAH 100 project.
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Have a song you’d like me to consider? Send a message or leave a comment. I will give it a serious listen.
There's a fantastic documentary on YouTube about this project. He describes how he created this transcendent track and its quasi-religious nature.
Memory is a funny thing - I have this memory of being in the V&A and in a small exhibit I was introduced to Brian Eno’s music mid 1970’s??
In any case his music has always been on the top of my list