- Albums
- from afar - víkingur ólafsson
From Afar
- 2022
- 44 tracks
- 1 uur, 43 min
- classical piano
Album Description
Víkingur Ólafsson's latest masterpiece, 'From Afar', is a deeply personal and poignant double album that delves into the Icelandic pianist's musical life story. Released on 7 October 2022 by Deutsche Grammophon, this exquisite collection of works is a testament to Ólafsson's boundless talent and dedication to his craft.
Inspired by a meeting with the legendary Hungarian composer György Kurtág, 'From Afar' is a heartfelt tribute to Kurtág's influence, as well as a nostalgic reflection on Ólafsson's own musical upbringing. The album features a carefully curated selection of pieces by renowned composers such as Bach, Schumann, and Mozart, alongside works by Kurtág and other Hungarian masters.
What sets 'From Afar' apart is its unique approach: each piece is performed twice, once on a grand piano and again on an upright piano, showcasing the distinct sonic characteristics of each instrument. This innovative approach allows the listener to experience the music in a new and fascinating way, highlighting the nuances and textures that make Ólafsson's playing so compelling.
With a duration of 1 hour and 43 minutes, 'From Afar' is a substantial and immersive listening experience that will appeal to fans of classical piano, minimalism, and classical music in general. Víkingur Ólafsson's passion and devotion to his art are evident throughout, making 'From Afar' an essential addition to any music lover's collection.
Tracks
- Das Orgelbüchlein, BWV 599-644: Christe, du Lamm Gottes, BWV 619 (Arr. Kurtág) - Grand PianoJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
- 6 Studies in Canonic Form, Op. 56: No. 1, Nicht zu schnell - Grand PianoRobert Schumann, Víkingur Ólafsson
- Sonata for Solo Violin No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1005: I. Adagio (Arr. Víkingur Ólafsson) - Grand PianoJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
- Játékok / Book 3: Harmonica (Hommage á Borsody László) - Grand PianoGyörgy Kurtág, Víkingur Ólafsson
- 3 Hungarian Folksongs from the Csìk, Sz. 35a: I. Rubato - Grand PianoBéla Bartók, Víkingur Ólafsson
- 3 Hungarian Folksongs from the Csìk, Sz. 35a: II. L’istesso tempo - Grand PianoBéla Bartók, Víkingur Ólafsson
- 3 Hungarian Folksongs from the Csìk, Sz. 35a: III. Poco vivo - Grand PianoBéla Bartók, Víkingur Ólafsson
- 7 Fantasies, Op. 116: No. 4, Intermezzo (Adagio) in E Major - Grand PianoJohannes Brahms, Víkingur Ólafsson
- Játékok / Book 5: A Voice in the Distance - Grand PianoGyörgy Kurtág, Víkingur Ólafsson
- Where Life and Death May Dwell (Icelandic Folk Song) - Grand PianoSnorri Sigfús Birgisson, Víkingur Ólafsson
- Trio Sonata No. 1 in E-Flat Major, BWV 525: I. (Allegro moderato) (Transcr. Kurtág) - Grand PianoJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson, Halla Oddný Magnúsdóttir
- Ave María (Arr. Víkingur Ólafsson) - Grand PianoSigvaldi Kaldalóns, Víkingur Ólafsson
- Játékok / Book 1: Little Chorale - Grand PianoGyörgy Kurtág, Víkingur Ólafsson
- Vesperae solennes de confessore in C Major, K. 339: V. Laudate Dominum omnes gentes (Arr. Víkingur Ólafsson) - Grand PianoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Víkingur Ólafsson
- Játékok / Book 1: Sleepily - Grand PianoGyörgy Kurtág, Víkingur Ólafsson
- Kinderszenen, Op. 15: No. 7, Träumerei - Grand PianoRobert Schumann, Víkingur Ólafsson
- Játékok / Book 7: Flowers We Are - Grand PianoGyörgy Kurtág, Víkingur Ólafsson
- The Branch - Grand PianoThomas Adès, Víkingur Ólafsson
- Játékok / Book 1: Twittering - Grand PianoGyörgy Kurtág, Víkingur Ólafsson, Halla Oddný Magnúsdóttir
- Waldszenen, Op. 82: No. 7, Vogel als Prophet - Grand PianoRobert Schumann, Víkingur Ólafsson
- 7 Fantasies, Op. 116: No. 5, Intermezzo (Andante con grazia ed intimissimo sentimento) in E Minor - Grand PianoJohannes Brahms, Víkingur Ólafsson
- Játékok / Book 3: Scraps of a Colinda Melody - Faintly Recollected (Hommage à Farkas Ferenc) - Grand PianoGyörgy Kurtág, Víkingur Ólafsson
- Das Orgelbüchlein, BWV 599-644: Christe, du Lamm Gottes, BWV 619 (Arr. Kurtág) - Upright PianoJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
- 6 Studies in Canonic Form, Op. 56: No. 1, Nicht zu schnell - Upright PianoRobert Schumann, Víkingur Ólafsson
- Sonata for Solo Violin No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1005: I. Adagio (Arr. Víkingur Ólafsson) - Upright PianoJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
- Játékok / Book 3: Harmonica (Hommage á Borsody László) - Upright PianoGyörgy Kurtág, Víkingur Ólafsson
- 3 Hungarian Folksongs from the Csìk, Sz. 35a: I. Rubato - Upright PianoBéla Bartók, Víkingur Ólafsson
- 3 Hungarian Folksongs from the Csìk, Sz. 35a: II. L’istesso tempo - Upright PianoBéla Bartók, Víkingur Ólafsson
- 3 Hungarian Folksongs from the Csìk, Sz. 35a: III. Poco vivo - Upright PianoBéla Bartók, Víkingur Ólafsson
- 7 Fantasies, Op. 116: No. 4, Intermezzo (Adagio) in E Major - Upright PianoJohannes Brahms, Víkingur Ólafsson
- Játékok / Book 5: A Voice in the Distance - Upright PianoGyörgy Kurtág, Víkingur Ólafsson
- Where Life and Death May Dwell (Icelandic Folk Song) - Upright PianoSnorri Sigfús Birgisson, Víkingur Ólafsson
- Trio Sonata No. 1 in E-Flat Major, BWV 525: I. (Allegro moderato) (Transcr. Kurtág) - Upright PianoJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson, Halla Oddný Magnúsdóttir
- Ave María (Arr. Víkingur Ólafsson) - Upright PianoSigvaldi Kaldalóns, Víkingur Ólafsson
- Játékok / Book 1: Little Chorale - Upright PianoGyörgy Kurtág, Víkingur Ólafsson
- Vesperae solennes de confessore in C Major, K. 339: V. Laudate Dominum omnes gentes (Arr. Víkingur Ólafsson) - Upright PianoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Víkingur Ólafsson
- Játékok / Book 1: Sleepily - Upright PianoGyörgy Kurtág, Víkingur Ólafsson
- Kinderszenen, Op. 15: No. 7, Träumerei - Upright PianoRobert Schumann, Víkingur Ólafsson
- Játékok / Book 7: Flowers We Are - Upright PianoGyörgy Kurtág, Víkingur Ólafsson
- The Branch - Upright PianoThomas Adès, Víkingur Ólafsson
- Játékok / Book 1: Twittering - Upright PianoGyörgy Kurtág, Víkingur Ólafsson, Halla Oddný Magnúsdóttir
- Waldszenen, Op. 82: No. 7, Vogel als Prophet - Upright PianoRobert Schumann, Víkingur Ólafsson
- 7 Fantasies, Op. 116: No. 5, Intermezzo (Andante con grazia ed intimissimo sentimento) in E Minor - Upright PianoJohannes Brahms, Víkingur Ólafsson
- Játékok / Book 3: Scraps of a Colinda Melody - Faintly Recollected (Hommage à Farkas Ferenc) - Upright PianoGyörgy Kurtág, Víkingur Ólafsson
About Víkingur Ólafsson
Víkingur Ólafsson is an acclaimed Icelandic pianist renowned for his extraordinary musicianship and innovative programming. Born in Reykjavík, Ólafsson began his piano journey under the guidance of his mother, a piano teacher, and later honed his skills at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York. His repertoire spans centuries, seamlessly blending works by Bach, Mozart, and Glass, and he is celebrated for his unique interpretations and visionary approach to classical music.
Ólafsson has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic, and London Philharmonic Orchestra, captivating audiences with his profound musical insights and technical brilliance. His recording of Bach's Goldberg Variations earned him a Grammy Award, further cementing his status as one of the most sought-after artists of today. With over one billion streams and numerous accolades, including the BBC Music Magazine Album of the Year and Opus Klassik, Ólafsson's impact on the classical music scene is undeniable. His performances are not just concerts but immersive experiences that transport audiences through time and emotion.
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