Víkingur Ólafsson: From Afar (2-CD)

“The sonic novelty of this double album is that the same program is recorded twice, once on a grand piano, once on an upright: a reminder of the instruments Ólafsson played as a child. Few artists would be allowed such an experiment, but this pianist, now at the top of his game, has earned the privilege.” — The Guardian

Celebrated for his innovative programming and award-winning recordings, Icelandic pianist Víkingur Ólafsson offers a window into his musical life story with his album From Afar. The highlight personal double album reflects the pianist’s musical DNA, from childhood memories growing up in Iceland to his international career and contemporary inspirations, recorded on both grand and upright pianos.

Recorded April 2022, Norðurljós Hall, Harpa Concert House, Reykjavík.

Bach Christe, du Lamm Gottes, BWV 619 (arr. Kurtág)

Schumann Studies in Canonic Form, Op. 56, No. 1,” Nicht zu schnell”

Bach Sonata for Solo Violin No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1005, Adagio

Kurtág Játékok, Harmonica (Hommage á Borsody László)

Bartók Three Hungarian Folksongs from Csik

Brahms Fantasies, Op. 116, Intermezzo (Adagio) in E Major

Kurtág Játékok, A Voice in the Distance

Birgisson Where Life and Death May Dwell

Bach Trio Sonata No. 1 in E-flat Major, BWV 525, Allegro moderato (trans. Kurtág)

Kaldalóns Ave Maria (arr. Víkingur Ólafsson)

Kurtág Játékok, Little Chorale

Mozart Vesperae solennes des confessore in C, K. 339, “Laudate Dominum omnes gentes” (arr. Víkingur Ólafsson)

Kurtág Játékok, Sleepily

Schumann Kinderszenen, Op. 15, “Träumerei”

Kurtág Játékok, Flowers We Are

Adès The Branch

Kurtág Játékok, Twittering

Schumann Waldszenen, Op. 82, “Vogel als Prophet”

Brahms Fantasies, Op. 116, Intermezzo (Andante con grazia ed intimissimo sentimento) in E Minor

Kurtág Játékok, Scraps of a Colinda Melody — Faintly Recollected (Hommage à Farkas Ferenc)

Discs: 2
Record Label: Deutsche Grammophon
Release Date: October 7, 2022