Icelandic pianist and composer Gabríel Ólafs draws inspiration from his Viking heritage to create a captivating album of lullabies. Titled “Lullabies for Piano and Cello,” the album features Ólafs and cellist Steiney Sigurðardóttir. By infusing ancient Viking melodies with his own compositions, Ólafs takes listeners on a soothing musical journey that honors his ancestry. This article explores the inspiration behind the album, the unique musical arrangements, and the emotional connections within the compositions.
Exploring Viking Melodies and Heritage:
While perusing a bookstore in Reykjavik, Gabríel Ólafs stumbled upon an out-of-print collection of ancient Viking melodies. Intrigued by his heritage, he delved into the volume that documented these melodies collected by a traveling priest around 150 years ago. Contrary to the ruthless warrior image often associated with Vikings, Ólafs discovered that they were also storytellers and artists who cherished their cultural traditions.
Bringing Ancient Melodies to Life:
As a self-taught composer, Ólafs undertook the task of adapting Viking tunes for piano and cello arrangements. He carefully composed original pieces inspired by these ancient melodies. The resulting lullabies, characterized by their gentle and tranquil nature, create a soothing atmosphere that transports listeners to a serene landscape. Collaborating with cellist Steiney Sigurðardóttir, Ólafs ensures that the cello serves as the mother’s voice, tenderly singing to her child.
The Emotional Connection in the Music:
During the album’s creation, Steiney Sigurðardóttir became a mother herself, and Ólafs believes that her new role influenced the music. He notes the subtle expression of her newfound motherly qualities in her cello playing, adding a beautiful depth to the compositions. This emotional connection between the musicians adds an additional layer of resonance to the lullabies, making them even more evocative and heartfelt.
“Bambaló” and the Celtic Connection:
One of the featured tracks, “Bambaló,” is a traditional lullaby with origins in Ireland. Iceland shares deep roots with Ireland, with approximately half of Iceland’s original settler population believed to have Celtic heritage. The haunting melody, performed by Ólafs and Sigurðardóttir, captures a sense of eerie tranquility, evoking a feeling of danger beneath the soft voice of the mother, represented by the cello. The instrumental version of the song removes the lyrics, which recount a sinister presence at the window, leaving a chilling impression.
The Experimental Recording Process:
To enhance the musical experience, Ólafs and Sigurðardóttir recorded the album at Reykjavik’s Eldborg Hall, experimenting with a unique seating arrangement. Instead of facing each other as in traditional performances, they sat back-to-back, relying on their longstanding musical connection and unspoken emotional understanding. This unconventional approach allowed them to test their bond as musicians, resulting in a captivating and harmonious performance.
Gabríel Ólafs’ album, “Lullabies for Piano and Cello,” beautifully combines his Viking heritage with his own compositions, resulting in a mesmerizing musical experience. By infusing ancient melodies with modern arrangements, Ólafs pays homage to his ancestors while creating a tranquil ambiance for listeners. Collaborating with Steiney Sigurðardóttir adds a profound emotional depth to the compositions, making the lullabies even more poignant. The album serves as a testament to the power of music in connecting us to our roots and evoking profound emotions.