Víkingur Ólafsson on Ave Maria (by Kaldalóns)

Listen to and order Víkingur Ólafsson`s new album ‘From Afar’ here: Celebrated for his innovative programming and award-winning recordings, Icelandic pianist Víkingur Ólafsson is offering a window into his musical life story with his new album, From Afar. Due for release on 7 October on Deutsche Grammophon, the highly personal double album reflects Ólafsson’s musical DNA, from childhood memories growing up in Iceland to his international career and contemporary inspirations. Recorded on both upright and grand pianos, the album captures two distinct sound worlds with works by Bach, Mozart, Schumann, Brahms and Bartók, alongside Icelandic and Hungarian folk songs, a world premiere by Thomas Adès, transcriptions by Ólafsson himself, and interconnecting pieces composed by his hero, 96 year-old Hungarian composer and pianist György Kurtág. Exploring such evocative themes as home, childhood and family, the album features Hungarian and Icelandic folk songs, nature-inspired works, interwoven homages and three previously unreleased transcriptions by Ólafsson. Producer: Documentary Gigolos Director: Juergen Schindler DOP: Ole Juergens Kamera: Arne Gerdes Make-up: Christiane Greve Assistent: Stefanie Schaefer Find out more about Víkingur Ólafsson here: @vikingurolafsson