Daniel Blumberg today announces the release of The Testament of Ann Lee (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), his album of songs and score for Mona Fastvold’s forthcoming film The Testament of Ann Lee. The soundtrack will be released January 16, 2026 via Milan Records/Sony Music Masterworks (US) and Mute (Globally) and is available to preorder now.
Out today is “Hunger & Thirst,” a radically reimagined Shaker hymn performed by the film’s lead Amanda Seyfried. The song marks the latest preview from the album, following lead single “Clothed by the Sun,” an original song written by Blumberg and performed as a duet with Seyfried, which plays over the film’s end credits. Listen here.
Written and directed by Mona Fastvold, The Testament of Ann Lee is a visionary retelling of the life of Ann Lee, the founding leader of the Shaker movement. Blumberg’s soundtrack forms the film’s musical backbone, weaving together ten traditional Shaker hymns, three original songs, and an expansive, textural score that unfolds across the film’s two-hour runtime.
Of the music, DANIEL BLUMBERG says, “The story of the Shakers and Ann Lee is inherently radical. I was trying to push the edges of the melodic core of hymns and songs to these more elemental and improvised sounds. Outside of my films, I make records with songs, so there was familiarity in working with song form but it was a very new process to do it for a picture. There’s a wide breadth of voices on this soundtrack ranging between some of my favourite improvisers in the world, untrained choirs, to Hollywood actors.”
Director MONA FASTVOLD adds, “From the very beginning, the music was never just an accompaniment—it was a living, breathing force shaping the film. Daniel’s approach, rooted in physicality and raw vocal textures, allowed us to build a world where sound and movement became inseparable, echoing the ecstatic spirit of the Shakers.”
Film lead AMANDA SEYFRIED comments, “Daniel’s ability to preserve the spirit of Shaker hymns and carry it forward in such an evocative and timeless way is a gift to all of us. I’ve never been more moved as a musician to work alongside him to bring these to life.”
Blumberg reunited with Fastvold following his debut feature score for The World to Come, becoming embedded in the project from its earliest stages. Developing musical sketches alongside the director in early 2024, Blumberg workshopped material with cast and choreographer Celia Rowlson-Hall, and remained on set throughout production, musically directing and recording performers live on location.
The soundtrack’s sonic world is rooted in the physical and ecstatic worship practices of the Shakers, with music and movement evolving in tandem. Vocal improvisation plays a central role: Blumberg assembled close to 100 voices — including Maggie Nicols, Phil Minton, Shelley Hirsch, and Freya Edmondes, alongside untrained singers — to create dense, wordless choral textures inspired by speaking in tongues.
Percussionist Steve Noble joins Blumberg in shaping the score’s distinctive palette, incorporating hand bells, church bells, metal bell plates and celeste, alongside a string ensemble featuring Billy Steiger, Angharad Davies, Tom Wheatley, Okkyung Lee, and Joel Grip, with additional harp by Rhodri Davies. Recorded across multiple locations rather than a traditional studio, the album embraces a raw, tactile immediacy.
Also announced is a live performance of music from The Testament of Ann Lee, featuring Daniel Blumberg and special guests, taking place February 8, 2026 at Barbican Centre’s Milton Court in London. Tickets are available here.
The Testament of Ann Lee debuts in select theatres Christmas Day, with a nationwide release following in January 2026, via Searchlight Pictures.
THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE (ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK)
TRACKLISTING –
The Testament of Ann Lee – Thomasin Mckenzie
Manchester
Hero Prayer One
Walk to Infirmary
Infirmary
Walk to Wardleys
Wardleys – Maggie Nicols
Worship – The Cast of The Testament of Ann Lee
Sex Celeste
Beautiful Treasures – Amanda Seyfried
Search for Ann
I Never Did Believe – Amanda Seyfried, Lewis Pullman, Scott Handy and Matthew Beard
Hunger & Thirst – Amanda Seyfried
Ship
Lower Deck
Today Today – Viola Prettejohn, Jamie Bogyo
Storm
All is Summer – Amanda Seyfried, The Cast of The Testament of Ann Lee
Magical Boat Ride
John’s Running Song – David Cale, Lewis Pullman
Whores
Niskayuna
The Eclipse
Bow Down O Zion – Lewis Pullman
Building & Growing
William Walking
I Love Mother (Pretty Mother’s Home) – The Cast of The Testament of Ann Lee
Arrest
Stone Prison – Amanda Seyfried
Shattuck
Down to the Deep – Amanda Seyfried
Beautiful Treasures Funeral – The Cast of The Testament of Ann Lee
Clothed by the Sun – Daniel Blumberg, Amanda Seyfried
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