Ólafur Arnalds - For Now I Am Winter

It seems to be a common occurrence for classical musicians to turn their attention to popular music, it is far rarer for popular musicians to make a switch to classical composition. Ólafur Arnalds began his composing  career from the unusual starting point of being a heavy metal drummer.His move to classical composition came when he was asked to compose and record a piano introduction to another heavy metal band’s album. A few months later, he was approached by Erased Tapes Records to compose and record an album of similar music. Tracks from Arnalds’ previous albums have been used in films including The Hunger Games & Looper. He has also composed the soundtrack for several films, most recently for the BBC drama production Broadchurch.

This is Arnalds’ first release since signing to Mercury Records in November 2012. The influence of the larger record label is apparent throughout the album with members of the Icelandic National Orchestra called in as session musicians. This is also the first of Arnalds’ albums to include vocals, the lyrics are written and sung by Anór Dan Arnarson. Arnalds has said that the lyrics are intentionally vague, even allegorical so as not to prescribe meaning to his compositions.

A Stutter sets the tone for the album with a minimalist piano melody above an ambient background, Anór Dan's vocals and violin and cello melodies are added to this to create a beautiful texture. A similar sound-world can be heard in several tracks throughout the disc including Only The Winds, a live performance of this track can be seen below. The album leans towards different musical styles throughout, with a much more edgy sound to Brim, and a more ambient quality to Carry Me Anew. Old Skin & Reclaim are perhaps the closest Arnalds comes to popular music, although Reclaim also has the largest orchestral presence. We (Too) Shall Rest is by the far the most electronic track on the album, it also seems to feature more development than many other tracks.

Ólafur Arnalds  has cast doubt on whether this album can be considered classical, suggesting that calling it "classical" is something of a marketing technique. There are strong minimalist and contemporary influences however equally strong are the threads of electronica and ambient sound. Arnalds creates stunning textures throughout the album and the whole album blends together in such away that it is hard to stop listening once you have started the first track.

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Written by Matt Elson

Ólafur Arnalds - For Now I Am Winter

Ólafur Arnalds first release on Mercury Records. Beautiful minimalist compositions accompanied by vocals by Anór Dan. Building and expanding on his previous more minimalist work, Arnalds’ new album is his first to involve a full orchestra (co-arranged by Nico Muhly) and a vocalist (Agent Fresco lead singer Arnór Dan) on selected tracks, making it his most broadly appealing work to date

Ludovico Einaudi - In a Time Lapse

Einaudi's latest album In a Time Lapse features electronics far more than his previous releases. Violinist Joshua Bell also partners with Einaudi for several tracks on this disc. Einaudi’s aim when writing In A Time Lapse was to guide the listener through a reflection on time, transcending its constraints, saying “it is only when we become aware or are reminded that our time is limited that we can channel our energy into truly living”.