From Afar Childhood memories and a musical hero served as fundamental inspiration for Víkingur Ólafsson's album "From Afar."
This, his most personal work to date, was created in September 2021 when he met György Kurtág, the "master of sparse tones" whom he greatly admires. The album title reflects Kurtág's composition "From Afar" and honors this important encounter. Ólafsson chose to express his gratitude not through words, but through music—for him, the more authentic form of communication. According to Ólafsson, the album's compilation is like "a letter to a friend." It unites original compositions and arrangements by the Hungarian composer with Icelandic and Hungarian folk melodies, as well as pieces by Schumann, Brahms, and Thomas Adès. This music, which has shaped the artist's life, creates diverse sonic landscapes with rich colors and moods through two different instruments – a Steinway and a piano. The complete booklet offers additional fascinating insights into this remarkable work by Víkingur Ólafsson.
This music, which has shaped the artist's life, uses two different instruments – a Steinway and a piano – to create a rich tapestry of soundscapes.