Music V

Have recently been enjoying Virthulegu forsetar, a 2004 release from Icelandic composer and producer, Johann Johannsson. The hour long piece is divided into four movements played by an eleven piece brass ensemble, percussion, electronics, organs, and piano. It was originally performed and recorded in Hallgrimskirkja, a large cathedral in Reykjavik, and was honored as “the most memorable musical event of 2003” by Iceland’s foremost newspaper. There is a quiet beauty to this music. Johannson works with a recurring melodic theme, slowing it down and skillfully playing with the spacious interludes to gently transport the listener through profound shifts in mood and atmosphere. Virthulegu forsetar is a gem.