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In the tranquil countryside outside Oxford, one of the best-known composers in contemporary classical music, Max Richter, resides in a shared studio with his artist wife, Yulia Mahr. Over the past eight years, this peaceful setting has served as a sanctuary for Richter, providing a counterbalance to his often data-saturated daily life.

Born in Germany and raised in England, Richter has made a significant impact on the classical music scene. His compositions, known for their emotional depth and intricate layers, have been used in numerous films and TV shows, with "On the Nature of Daylight" being a particularly popular choice.

One of Richter's most notable works is the nearly 8.5-hour-long album, Sleep, written to fit the rhythms of a human's natural sleep cycle. This unique piece has been performed live over two dozen times, including at prestigious venues like the Sydney Opera House and the Great Wall of China.

The power dynamics in Sleep concerts are distinctly different from regular performances. Rather than communicating directly and dynamically with the audience, the performers facilitate the audience's sleep. Audience members have even been known to bring duvets to venues and sleep along to the music during performances.

Richter himself does not specify any specific morning routine when working. However, he does make an effort to go for a swim at a local pool to wake up. This routine, along with his meditation practice, may contribute to the sense of stillness and control in his music.

In addition to Sleep, Richter has written music for various plays, operas, ballets, films, and TV shows. Currently, he is working on the score for Chloe Zhou's upcoming film Hamnet, starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley.

The Sleep concerts involve a six-piece ensemble, including piano, computers, five strings, and a vocalist. Richter's choice of instruments, such as the violin, viola, cello, double bass, and harp, adds to the ethereal and calming atmosphere of the performances.

For those seeking relaxation and sleep, albums like Hiroshi Yoshimura's Flora and Nils Frahm's Empty are recommended. These works, like Richter's, offer a soothing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

As Richter celebrates the 10th anniversary of Sleep, he will be performing it at Alexandra Palace and releasing a 90-minute version of the album. For fans of Richter's music and those seeking a unique musical experience, these events promise to be unforgettable.