Madeleine Antoine ‘Elegy for A Burning World’
Music by Madeleine Antoine
Video direction: Steven Alyian
I was approached by my friend and collaborator from Selfless Orchestra Madeleine to direct a music video for her solo release ‘Elegy for A Burning World.’ We gathered friends and community to put together an emotional response to this incredible piece of music. Taking the ideas of elements, I infused some ideas taken from the Buddhist ideas of death and transition, reflecting on our own impact upon the life and balance of this planet.
Words by Madeleine Antoine
In any massive crisis there are those who respond with what they know best. In this case, haunting art that seeks to cut through the vapidity of human greed to the part of us that recognises there is nothing more precious than protecting our native species and natural environment. We are living in the midst of a sixth mass extinction. Elegy for a Burning World is a funeral piece for the countless precious species that have been lost, by neo-classical violinist Madeleine Antoine.
The spirits of the elements (earth, fire, plants, air, water) see and feel the loss within them, and are called to join together in mourning. Together they build a funeral pyre, alongside children who represent future generations, while the violinist and dancers (Emma Sangalli and Katelin Holland) perform to honour the lives of the lost species. The video was directed by Steven Alyian, who’s creative vision, including many subtle references to the process of dying and powerful imagery were integral to the piece.
CREDITS
Special thanks to the following people who feature in the video:
Charlotte Antoine, Terra and Coco, Saurav Randev, Rus Hughes, Priya Leevers and Aeon, Raymond Grenfell and Brahma, Leigh Vegas, David Bearsley, Julia Watson, Zoe Theiadore and Piper, and Hagrid.
Make-up artist: Vikki Aldridge.
Photography by Zoe Theiadore
Learn More
Elegy For a Burning World is as a part of Madeleine Antoine’s full debut solo album Sol, via Stock Records.