Árnason: Eilífur

Chronique

Musical contemplation of living forever. "Eilífur" ("Eternal") is Icelandic contemporary composer Viktor Orri Árnason’s solo debut and first Pentatone album, on which the prospect of living forever is contemplated. Sparked by the realisation that medical advances will soon eradicate death by natural causes, "Eilífur" weaves together a lucid, near-future narrative via a combination of abstract Icelandic lyrics and adept musical storytelling. The scope and scale of "Eilífur" is reflected in the extremes of its sound, which moves seamlessly from intimate strings and sombre voices to grand orchestral gestures and vast drones. "Eilífur" explores what life will be like in the absence of death’s ticking clock. Staying clear of the morbidity that such themes may imply, "Eilífur" is above all a celebration of life as we know it, and an ode to the things that make it worth living.

Viktor Orri Árnason composed, produced and mixed the album at his Berlin studio over the course of two years. The studio was a hub of experimentation with a community of outstanding award-winning composers and musicians, including Jóhann Jóhannsson, Hildur Guðnadóttir, Dustin O'Halloran, Rutger Hoedemaekers, Gunnar Örn Tynes and Yair Elazar Glotman. "Eilífur" is a statement, a first glimpse of Viktor’s outstanding abilities as a composer, conductor, instrumentalist, producer and mixing engineer; an ambitious album which puts him in the spotlight after many years working behind the scenes. © Pentatone