Viktor Orri Arnason, Alfheidur Erla Gudmundsdottir – Poems – CD

Poems, the collaborative debut DG album from Icelandic composer, conductor and producer Viktor Orri Arnason, released worldwide on 10 November 2023. The album was conceived and co-written with soprano and visual artist Alfheidur Erla Gudmundsdóttir. Its ten exquisite tracks draw on the pair’s shared cultural heritage, setting poems by Icelandic poets past and present, including lyrics by Arnason and Gudmundsdóttir themselves. Viktor adds piano accompaniment to Alfheidur’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. Drawn to poetry that speaks of vulnerability and solitude, change and renewal, the beauty of the natural world, and the power of words to express our dreams and innermost selves, they were also inspired to write their own poems, each contributing one new text to the album. Arnason hopes Poems will encourage listeners to be mindful: ‘Poems is in many ways about the joys and struggles in life and how being present can help you through’.

1 Rödd
2 Náttmyrkrid
3 Vera – Viktor Orri rnason, lfheiur Erla Gumundsdttir
4 Ord Og Draumar
5 Blikna – Viktor Orri rnason, lfheiur Erla Gumundsdttir, Jla Mogensen
6 Til Kvædagydjunnar – Viktor Orri rnason, lfheiur Erla Gumundsdttir, Ragnar Jnsson
7 Ljóssins Knörr
8 Líkaminn Er Thaninn Fidlustrengur
9 Jörd Bídur – Viktor Orri rnason, lfheiur Erla Gumundsdttir
10 Handan Vid Haf – Viktor Orri rnason, lfheiur Erla Gumundsdttir, Ragnar Jnsson