The thoughtful pianist from Iceland plays a set of gentle pieces — from Bach to Bartók — evoking nostalgic memories of his childhood.
The thoughtful pianist from Iceland plays a set of gentle pieces — from Bach to Bartók — evoking nostalgic memories of his childhood.Top-tier concert pianists commonly perform on nine-foot grand pianos. However, when they visit the Tiny Desk, it's our job to convince them to scale down to our diminutive upright. We got no argument from
His eyes lit up when he saw our instrument. He immediately removed its upper panel, then secured the practice pedal, which drops a curtain of felt between the hammers and the strings, producing a muted, intimate sound, allowing the music to be practically whispered to us. The pieces Ólafsson chooses are gentle, and for him nostalgic, recalling the countless hours spent at his own upright piano in his childhood bedroom.is"an encyclopedia of how you can think and dream on the keyboard," Ólafsson says, after opening with the work's featherlight Aria and vigorous first variation. His phrasing is warm and lilting, and as detailed as a Vermeer.unspools as a calm procession.
The pianist insisted on placing our grumpy-looking Bach bobblehead on the piano for companionship, joking that the frowning little toy"seems permanently displeased with everything I do." But judging from this performance, and his wise words, Ólafsson is doing everything just right.From now until March 28, your support of the NPR Network can enter you for a chance to watch one of these intimate performances live.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jennifer Koh and Missy Mazzoli: Tiny Desk ConcertTwo adventurous musicians trace the history of their fruitful collaboration in a set of pieces both ferocious and beautiful.
Read more »
Justin Timberlake: Tiny Desk ConcertThe artist, who just dropped his new album Everything I Thought It Was, comes to the Tiny Desk with a set that leans heavily on his early solo catalog.
Read more »
See Justin Timberlake Cram Lots of People, Hits Into His Tiny Desk ConcertJustin Timberlake’s promotional tour in support of new album 'Everything I Thought It Was,' out today, included a Tiny Desk Concert.
Read more »
Animal Collective: Tiny Desk (Home) ConcertThe band Animal Collective performs a transfixing, unpredictable concert at MASS MoCA.
Read more »
Sloppy Jane: Tiny Desk (Home) ConcertThe 11-piece band crammed into a coffee shop in Queens, New York, to play three of the most tangible songs from their album, Madison.
Read more »
Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds: Tiny Desk ConcertThe New York band's punchy horn section, bluesy vocals and uniquely transformative harmonica solos instantly demand attention.
Read more »