Profile
Jóhann Jóhannsson is an Icelandic composer, a pioneer and one of representative musician in today’s Post-classical scene. He produced many solo works and music for cinema, play, dance and television from the beginning of 00’s.
His characteristics is Classical also Icelandic and European taste of composition and harmonie, and the mixture of Classical instruments, sythesizers and electronic technologies.
Solo Albums
Orphée (Deutsche Grammophon, 2016)
“Orphée” is a full-length studio album by Jóhann Jóhannsson released in 2016. The songs are inspired by “Orphée” directed by Jean-Cocteau. Each song is short. Various styles of compostions and arrangements. The mixture of the sound of Classical and electronic instruments.
“Flight from the City” is a sentimental strings, piano and glockenspiel Minimal song of repetitions of a phrase.
“The Drowned World” is a glockenspiel arpeggios, synthesizer sequences and strings Minimal miniature.
“A Pile of Dust” is an abstract and serious long-tone string ensemble song.
“By the Roes, and by the Hinds of the Field” is a melancholic piano and strings song. Keen reflection of piano and synthesizer pads follows.
“The Radiant City” is a sentimental and sorrowful song with strings, piano, noises and voices, which associates works of Ryuichi Sakamoto.
“The Burning Mountain” is an apathetic organ solo song.
“De Luce et Umbra” is a passionate string ensemble compositions.
“Good Morning, Midnight”, the former part is piano reflection loop and strings vague track, the later part is a Minimal piano solo piece.
“Good Night, Day” is a Minimal and significant string ensemble song with an impressive cello solo.
“Orphic Hymn” is a mystic and sacred, Classical and Iceland ethnic human song by Classical chorus.
Elegy for Lost Time (UMG Recordings, 2023)
“Elegy for Lost Time” is a Classical and serious Post-classical piano and string orchestra album. Some tracks are added effects, synthesizers and some instruments such as oboe, clarinet and glockenspiel.
“Jói & Karen” is a piano with string ensemble song. But the tone is very few. It make good use of intervals and space.
“Jóhannsson: A Sparrow Alighted upon our Shoulder” is an impressive string orchestra minimal song.
The last track, “Jóhannsson: Flight from the City” is a slow also bright, and passionate solo sorrowful piano and string orchestra song. The best song of this album.
Resources and Links
Jóhann Jóhannsson (official site)
Deutsche Grammophon – Jóhann Jóhannsson
