Jóhann Jóhannsson - Orphée

  by Maarten Schiethart

published: 26 / 11 / 2016

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The orchestral swelling on 'Orphée' typifies Jóhann Jóhannsson's redemptive form of minimalism, although in melody it remains ever so flamboyant; the profoundly deep piano play on 'The Radiant City' for example, which is garnished with feeble electronica, enters a new dimension, as well as hints at the cinematic and even the choreographic qualities of Michael Nyman's music and soundtracks. Stylish to the core, 'Orphée' as well has a certain Eric Satie quality. in its echoing sound, 'Orphée' resonates church and chamber music too. Jóhann Jóhannsson's modest modernist method in melody mostly recollects the deeper parts of Max Richter's 'Sleep'. Angelic whilst leaning pastorally towards the compositional, 'Orphée' offers a sense of quiet, imagination beyond one's calmest dreams. With its slowly sinking in symphony and highlight of Vivaldi-like proportions in 'A Sparrow Alighted Upon Our Shoulder', 'Orphée' spews out a fountain of fabulous music. It strikes a balancing act, with plenty of strings tristesse. Indebted to interbellum chamber music from the 20th Century, 'Orphée' abridges today's styles of music. Flirting with software sound effects, Jóhann Jóhannsson, however, refuses to stick to logic. At will, at a whim, 'Orphée' captures beauty in the most haunting moment of the year, Afficionados of Michael Nyman and Max Richter, thou shalt pricketh up your ears. Jóhann Jóhannsson's 'Orphée' stands testament to one of Iceland's monumental achievements. 'Orphée' might as well be regarded as the latest novelty in church pipe organ music. So be it. It comes close to perfection.

Track Listing:-

1 Flight From The City
2 A Song For Europa
3 The Drowned World
4 A Deal With Chaos
5 A Pile Of Dust
6 A Sparrow Alighted Upon Our Shoulder
7 Fragment I
8 By The Roes, And By The Hinds Of The Field
9 The Radiant City
10 Fragment II
11 The Burning Mountain
12 De Luce Et Umbra
13 Good Morning, Midnight
14 Good Night, Day
15 Orphic Hymn

Band Links:-

https://en-gb.facebook.com/JohannJohannssonMusic/
http://www.johannjohannsson.com/
https://twitter.com/johannjohannss
https://www.instagram.com/johann_johannss/

Label Links:-

http://www.deutschegrammophon.com/gb/
https://www.facebook.com/deutschegrammophon
https://twitter.com/dgclassics
https://www.youtube.com/user/deutschegrammophon1
https://instagram.com/dgclassics/

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