Listen to Max Richter's ringtones

The sound of mobile phones ringing has become the soundtrack to life in the 21st century, but the constant background bleeping is about to become more artful if Max Richter has his way.

This week the Edinburgh-based composer and pianist got one up on the pop stars who have sold their hits as ringtones by releasing an album of original music created especially for mobile phones.

“Who says ringtones have to be so bad?” asks the musician. “It’s like saying LPs or CDs are bad – it’s just a medium.”

Playing the piano himself and securing the services of several cellists, violinists and a guitarist, Richter has recorded 24 vignettes, the longest clocking in at three minutes, but most lasting 60 seconds.

Not one to stick to the rules, Richter is eschewing an album launch tour in the usual bars and concert venues in favour of galleries where audience members, who have previously downloaded the ringtones, will be asked to keep their phones switched on. They will be sent text messages, causing their phones to play Richter’s album, piece by piece.

Called 24 Postcards In Full Colour, the album’s title alludes to the idea that when the phone rings the reciever has an expectation of news from another part of the city, country or world.

24 Postcards in Full Colour is out now on Fat Cat Records.

Explore Music

• Festivals

• CD Reviews

• Live Reviews

• Classical

Editor's choice

• U2 at Nou Camp Stadium, Barcelona
• The 50 Best Movie Villains
• The 15 golden rules of theatre etiquette