Symphony of Lungs: A Celebration of the Ethereal Sound of Florence + The Machine

Symphony of Lungs, by Florence + The Machine, is a stunning celebration of Florence Welch's debut album, Lungs, reimagined 15 years after its original release through an orchestral lens. Recorded live at the BBC Proms 2024 at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London, the new album blends the raw and magnificent energy of the original work with the sophistication of a full orchestra and choir, under the direction of renowned conductor Jules Buckley. The new symphonic arrangements amplify the emotional and dramatic essence of the songs, offering a deeper and more immersive experience of tracks like 'Dog Days Are Over,' 'Cosmic Love,' 'Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up),' 'You’ve Got The Love,' 'Hardest Of Hearts,' and more.

As she reflects on how much her career has evolved since the explosive debut of Lungs, Florence Welch described the experience of Symphony of Lungs as cathartic, revisiting songs that marked her rise and transforming them into something even grander, yet deeply personal. She humorously reflected on the vocal challenges of the original recordings, joking about the boldness of her younger, "drunk" self. The live performance blended theatricality — with Welch wearing a red Rodarte dress — and moments of vulnerability, culminating in a mix of pure emotion, joy, and a shared sense of freedom with the audience.

More than just a live album, Symphony of Lungs is an ode to transformation, nostalgia, and the timeless magic of music. In each orchestral arrangement and every note, there is a deep reverence for the songs that shaped Florence's career, as well as a new reinterpretation of who she is as an artist today. Symphony of Lungs captures the essence of Florence Welch's journey and her ability to reinvent herself, adding a new layer of emotional and musical complexity to her most beloved songs. The album is already available digitally — released in October 2024 — with physical releases on vinyl and CD scheduled for March 2025.

LAY writes for Design Culture: Original article.