Album: Ambient 2: The Plateaux of Mirror

Intro
"Ambient 2: The Plateaux of Mirror" is the 2nd album in the four-part ambient music series by British musician and record producer Brian Eno, released in April 1980. The album, a collaboration between Eno and pianist Harold Budd, represents a cutting-edge endeavor in the world of ambient music, combining electronic soundscapes and piano structures in an unique and captivating way.

Background and Collaboration
Eno's interest in ambient music began in the 1970s, with the release of his "Discreet Music" album in 1975 and the start of the Ambient series with 1978's "Music for Airports". The latter record highlighted his fascination with the performance of music and checked out the aesthetic possibilities of minimalistic soundscapes.

During the very same period, Harold Budd, an American pianist and author, was experimenting with his signature design, creating minimal, evocative piano pieces that positioned emphasis on the resonance and decay of the notes. Budd's work caught Eno's attention, and he welcomed Budd to collaborate on what would become "Ambient 2: The Plateaux of Mirror".

Production and Recording Process
The creative procedure for "Ambient 2" was an experimentation in cooperation, with Eno contributing electronic textures, treatments, and production, while Budd was responsible for the piano structures. The recording sessions took place at Eno's house studio in the UK, with Eno offering support and assistance to Budd as he played the piano.

Eno's approach to the recording process positioned considerable importance on spontaneity, allowing the structures to be formed intuitively and organically. This led to a number of the pieces on the album being tape-recorded in single takes, with minimal modifying or manipulation by Eno.

For the production of ambient textures, Eno used his EMS Synthi AKS synthesizer, which was controlled and fed through numerous treatments to build its lavish soundscapes. The combination of Budd's minimalist structures and Eno's electronic treatments led to a beautifully haunting and otherworldly atmosphere.

Style and Composition
The music on "Ambient 2: The Plateaux of Mirror" embodies what would end up being characteristic of the ambient category-- very little, sporadic, and atmospheric. Budd's piano structures frequently include single notes or chords played at irregular intervals, leaving ample space for Eno's electronic textures to create a rich and immersive sonic environment.

The piano itself frequently takes a passive function in the structures, with emphasis on the decay and resonance of the notes adding to the general ambient environment. This approach enables the listener to become soaked up in the area in between the notes, making it an introspective, meditative experience.

Tradition and Influence
"Ambient 2: The Plateaux of Mirror" remains a highly prominent record in ambient music and beyond. The collaboration between Eno and Budd set the stage for many future collaborations between composers and electronic musicians, pressing the limits of what might be achieved in both musical disciplines.

The album has inspired various artists throughout numerous categories, from electronic musicians such as Aphex Twin and Boards of Canada to prominent movie authors like Hans Zimmer. Its significance in the ambient genre is unassailable, as it remains a touchstone for artists exploring the subtle beauty and environment of minimalist compositions and electronic soundscapes.

In summation, "Ambient 2: The Plateaux of Mirror" is a seminal album in ambient music, showcasing the powerful partnership in between Brian Eno and Harold Budd. Together, they produced a work of sensational charm and subtlety that continues to captivate and influence musicians and listeners alike, almost 4 decades after its initial release.