Víkingur Ólafsson's Concept Album Offers Transcendent Vistas with Opus 109
Icelandic pianist Víkingur Ólafsson has chosen to record Beethoven's late piano sonatas, but instead of following the conventional route, he has opted for a different approach. His concept album features Beethoven's Piano Sonata No 30 in E major, Op 109, situated within a musical timeline that reflects both the composer's past and the Viennese milieu of the early 18th century.
Ólafsson has stated that his intention is to explore the connections between Bach and late Beethoven, with the latter's uninhibited invention being rooted in the baroque period. This approach becomes evident from the opening notes of Bach's E major Prelude from The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1, which showcases a delicate baroque detachment that resonates into his reading of Beethoven's Piano Sonata No 27 in E minor, Op 90.
The album features a diverse range of works, including Schubert's rarely heard Piano Sonata No 6 in E minor. This transition to the final piece, Beethoven's Op 109, is seamless and breathtakingly beautiful. Ólafsson's articulation offers exceptional variety, while also revealing the purity of his sound.
While some traditionalists may be skeptical about this approach, those willing to venture into the unknown will find that Ólafsson opens up a transcendent vista onto a brave new world. His concept album is an audacious move, and one that yields remarkable results.
With its eclectic mix of baroque and early classical works, Víkingur Ólafsson's Opus 109 is an album that defies conventions and invites listeners to embark on a musical journey that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply rewarding.
Icelandic pianist Víkingur Ólafsson has chosen to record Beethoven's late piano sonatas, but instead of following the conventional route, he has opted for a different approach. His concept album features Beethoven's Piano Sonata No 30 in E major, Op 109, situated within a musical timeline that reflects both the composer's past and the Viennese milieu of the early 18th century.
Ólafsson has stated that his intention is to explore the connections between Bach and late Beethoven, with the latter's uninhibited invention being rooted in the baroque period. This approach becomes evident from the opening notes of Bach's E major Prelude from The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1, which showcases a delicate baroque detachment that resonates into his reading of Beethoven's Piano Sonata No 27 in E minor, Op 90.
The album features a diverse range of works, including Schubert's rarely heard Piano Sonata No 6 in E minor. This transition to the final piece, Beethoven's Op 109, is seamless and breathtakingly beautiful. Ólafsson's articulation offers exceptional variety, while also revealing the purity of his sound.
While some traditionalists may be skeptical about this approach, those willing to venture into the unknown will find that Ólafsson opens up a transcendent vista onto a brave new world. His concept album is an audacious move, and one that yields remarkable results.
With its eclectic mix of baroque and early classical works, Víkingur Ólafsson's Opus 109 is an album that defies conventions and invites listeners to embark on a musical journey that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply rewarding.
But for real though, Víkingur Ólafsson's approach is super intriguing. It's like he's taking all these classic pieces and reimagining them in a way that feels fresh and exciting. The connection between Bach and Beethoven is so cool - I'm not even gonna lie, I had to look up some info on how they relate, but it made total sense once I got it 
. And that last piece, Schubert's Piano Sonata No 6 in E minor? Wow, the way Ólafsson articulates it is just insane... It's like he's speaking a different language or something 
.
his approach to music is like totally fresh and innovative, you know? he's not just playing the same old notes, he's creating this whole new world of sound 
and connecting it to Bach and Beethoven in such a cool way... i love how he takes these classic pieces and gives them this modern twist 
it's like a breath of fresh air for music lovers like me 
I'm telling you, this pianist Ólafsson is trying to awaken us from our sleep, man! He's not just playing Beethoven's sonatas, he's unlocking secrets and connections between the past and present. The fact that he's weaving together Bach and Beethoven like they're threads in a tapestry is, like, totally mind-blowing, right? 
It's all about challenging our perceptions and pushing us out of our comfort zones. I mean, who needs traditionalists when you've got someone like Ólafsson, boldly breaking the rules and taking us on a wild ride through time and music? 
I love how this album is pushing the boundaries of traditional piano sonata playing 
And Schubert's Piano Sonata No 6 in E minor is a total gem 
I mean, taking Beethoven's Piano Sonata No 30 in E major Op 109 and putting it into context with Bach and Schubert? mind blown 
and that final piece op 109 is giving me LIFE 
i've listened to it like 10 times already and i'm not even tired of it 
can't wait 2 c what other musical magic he comes up w/ 
i'm definitely intrigued to listen to this album now 