Erland Cooper, the acclaimed composer and musician often referred to as "the Banksy of classical music," has achieved his first no. 1 spot on the Official Classical Albums Chart.
To mark this achievement, he chose a unique and unconventional celebration.
"Carve the Runes Then Be Content with Silence" was released just a week ago and it immediately soared to the top spot.
Years ago, Cooper created and preserved his music collection, keeping it on a lone cassette tape that he concealed beneath the earth in his hometown of Orkney, Scotland.
Every digital rendition of the collection was erased without a trace, transforming the tape into a veritable buried gem.
The intention behind this act was to offer a contemplation on worth and endurance within a society fixated on immediate satisfaction.
Upon deciphering a mysterious path and map provided by the artist, fans revealed the album to the public during a live event at London's Barbican in June.
At this moment, they experienced firsthand the organic essence woven into the album throughout its subterranean journey spanning three years.
The musician said of his success, per Official Charts, "I think poet George Mackay Brown would be rather tickled by this. I know he had a deep connection to community, landscape and the music of it all, so to celebrate nature's wild contribution to composition and the resilience of both, is a glorious thing."
"I've so much gratitude to everyone listening and buying this record, even had it emerged from the soil as silence."
"Huge thanks to my record label for being so bold and supportive. A win for Orkney, nature and the seedlings of ideas. May the words and music fly high and dive deep like a gannet. For the islands we sing."
In a gesture that aligns with the essence of the album, Cooper has also chosen to bury his Official Charts Number 1 accolade in a secret spot.
He plans to reveal hints about where the award is hidden. The lucky individual who locates the prize will be able to claim it as their own.
