545. Michael Abels

(January 2024) Episode 545 of the “opus project” is MICHAEL ABELS, a contemporary classical composer. Popular awareness found him when he wrote the nerve-inducing soundtracks to the three Jordan Peele films, Get Out, Us and Nope. That launched a steady stream of soundtrack work, some of which incorporates hip-hop elements. Long before that, Abels was composing orchestral, chamber and concert pieces. There’s a lot of variety in styles across his pieces and it would be hard to guess they all came from the same person.

Favorite piece Urban Legends (chamber backed by orchestra)

Favorite orchestral piece: Guitar Concerto “Borders”

Favorite soundtrack: Nope

Compared to expectations: same

Recommendation: If you’ve seen the Peele movies you know how well the soundtracks make the eerie atmosphere. Check out his orchestral pieces too.