Viktor Orri Árnason
Álfheiður Erla Guðmundsdóttir
Viktor Orri Árnason
Álfheiður Erla Guðmundsdóttir
Reykjavík Orkestra
Poems, the collaborative debut Deutsche Grammophon album from Icelandic composer, conductor and producer Viktor Orri Árnason, was conceived and co-written with soprano and visual artist Álfheiður Erla Guðmundsdóttir. Its ten exquisite tracks draw on the pair’s shared cultural heritage, setting poems by Icelandic poets past and present, including lyrics by Árnason and Guðmundsdóttir themselves. Viktor adds piano accompaniment to Álfheiður’s hushed, floating vocals throughout, at times playing violin and viola as well, with some tracks featuring additional strings (members of the Reykjavík Orkestra) and/or subtle electronic elements.