Following the immense success of Homogenic (1997), Björk retreated inward to create what would become Vespertine (2001), an album of remarkable intimacy and beauty. Built around intricate electronic textures, delicate 'microbeats', harp flourishes, music boxes and sweeping orchestral arrangements, the record explored themes of love, desire, vulnerability and domesticity with extraordinary emotional depth. Upon its release, Vespertine was greeted with widespread critical acclaim and impressive commercial success for such an uncompromising artistic statement. In the years since, its reputation has only grown, with many critics and publications now regarding it as not only Björk's masterpiece but also one of the greatest albums ever recorded.
To bring the album to life on stage, Björk conceived the Vespertine World Tour as a fully immersive experience. Rejecting traditional arenas in favour of theatres, concert halls and opera houses, she sought venues with what she described as "the best acoustics possible" in order to realise her vision of the album in a live setting. The performances featured local symphony orchestras at many stops, while the ethereal harmonies of an Inuit choir added an otherworldly dimension that perfectly complemented the material.
The result was one of the most acclaimed tours of Björk's career, a fully realised artistic vision that captivated audiences around the world. Among its many highlights, however, few performances can rival the extraordinary concert presented here, recorded at Orchard Hall in Tokyo, Japan, on 5th December 2001 and broadcast across the country.
1 Overture 3:41
2 All Is Full Of Love 4:12
3 Harm Of Will 4:34
4 Undo 5:43
5 An Echo, A Stain 4:18
6 Unison 6:47
7 Isobel 6:20
8 Pagan Poetry 5:28
9 Hyperballad 4:48
10 Army Of Me 4:05
11 Bachelorette 5:28
12 Human Behaviour 5:24
13 It’s In Our Hands 4:52