Jóhann Jóhannsson: Orphée
A Modern Classical Album from the Icelandic Master
Jóhann Jóhannsson was an Icelandic post-classical composer known for his singular solo projects, and his stunning soundtracks for films such as Sicario, Arrival, and The Theory of Everything.
Orphée is a solo record loosely inspired both by the Orpheus myth and the Metamorphoses by Ovid.
In the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice, Eurydice suffers a viper bite on her heel and is taken to the underworld. Orpheus’s music brings those in Hades and Persephone to agree to release Eurydice, under the condition that he not look back until both of them had safely crossed to the upper world. But, Orpheus looks back too soon, and Eurydice is forever lost.
[Note that this tale could be seen as a riff on Lot and his wife in Genesis 19, with Lot’s wife turning into a pillar of salt when she looked back at Sodom and Gomorrah. Also note the reverse-gospel themes, as the serpent-stricken bride is not fully saved from Hades and death by the loving groom.]
The album reaches a balance of darkness and light, pain and relief, suffering and anticipation that is endlessly captivating. The patient piano passages, mournful violins, haunting vocal calls, and melancholic orchestral waves throughout are something to behold.
There are not many records that I’ve listened to front-to-back hundreds of times, but this is one of them. It’s been a good friend in times of darkness and light, and I’ll keep coming back.
Jóhann Jóhannsson died in 2018 at the age of 48.
Listening Note:
This album is wonderful as a stand-alone listen, but it’s also a fantastic album for reading, writing, or creating.
Rating:
10/10
Parents Guide:
No language here to speak of, but the record does dive into dark themes and textures - so if you’re littles are extra-sensitive to that type of music, you may decide wait until they are a little older.
Listen:
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