Ólafur Arnalds - Re:member (Choir Versions) (2019) [Hi-Res]

There’s an exquisite simplicity to Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds’ music that renders it particularly appropriate for choir. VOCES8, composed of a handful of outstanding young choral singers, brings a perfect vocal blend to new versions of three tracks from re:member. “The best reworks highlight something in the music you did not expect,” says Arnalds of these beautiful new treatments in a press release. “That element of surprise deepens your connection with the piece of music.” Reminiscent of Barber’s famous “Adagio,” the opening “momentary” is gently underpinned by harp, while the shimmering soundscape that begins “partial” gradually unfurls, a lone soaring soprano coaxing the music ever skywards. The sumptuous “nyepi” brings everything to a stunning, heartwarming close.