Ólafur Arnalds: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

July 19, 2018 | Bob Boilen -- It's as if the pianos were haunted. Somewhere about midway through this Tiny Desk, as Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds performed on his electronic keyboard, two upright pianos were playing lilting melodies behind him, absent any performer at the keys. And yet these "ghosts," along with Ólafur's band of strings and percussion, put together some of the most beautiful music I've heard at the Tiny Desk, made all the more mysterious through its presentation.
About ten minutes into the performance Ólafur looked behind him at the two pianos, looked to the NPR crowd and said, "well I guess you're all wondering 'what and why,' to which there's no easy answer." He hit the keys on his electronic keyboard and the two pianos behind responded with cascading, raindrop-like notes. "What I can say," he continued, "is that I've spent two years and all of my money on this - to make my pianos go bleep-bloop." What Ólafur was referring to is software that he and his coder friend, Halldór Eldjárn developed. A computer, loaded with this musical software (which Ólafur calls the Stratus system), "listens" to Ólafur's keyboard performance and responds by creating patterns that are musically in tune with the chord or notes Ólafur performed.
So why do this? Basically, it's a way to break out of the box musicians often fall back on as performers - the familiar responses that years of playing can reinforce. With that is the hope that the computer will create a response that is unfamiliar and, in some cases through speed of performance and the sheer number of notes played, impossible for a human to have made. So, it breathes new life into the music for the listener and the performer.
It was a gently stunning and memorable Tiny Desk. More of these creations can be heard on Ólafur Arnalds' brilliant, fourth solo album re: member. The full album is out August 24 on Mercury KX.
Set List
"Árbakkinn"
"Unfold"
"Saman"
"Doria"
Musicians
Ólafur Arnalds (keys), Viktor Arnason (violin), Unnur Jónsdóttir (cello), Katie Hyun (violin), Karl James Pestka (viola), Manu Delago (percussion)
Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineers: Josh Rogosin, Dominik Piorr; Audio Mix: Ólafur Arnalds; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, CJ Riculan, Bronson Arcuri, Khun Minn Ohn; Production Assistants: Catherine Zhang, Téa Mottolese; Photo: Eric Lee/NPR.

[@hungrybox]

can the person who does the mixing for these just run for president in 2020

[@bzfiddleness]

It's actually the real hungrybox huh cool

[@artemdro]

Mr. Putin?

[@skullkid112]

Trump mixes these in his down time so... Trump 2020?

[@bzfiddleness]

Jessie Klassen no

[@charlesjmudd]

FOR F*** SAKE .... Just enjoy the music ...

[@annieelie6347]

I went to sleep to Sufjan Stevens and woke up to this. Thank you, KZbin faeries, gods and goddesses.

[@brownkemosabe]

Ol' Soupcan is the best.

[@nietsnik]

That sounds like the most perfect night i can imagine

[@Ellie_xo]

Ah yes we love Subaru 😊

[@kkalimotxo]

Goes to Tiny Desk. Brings 2 pianos and 2 keyboards. Legend.

[@sgthulka727]

What are the make and models of the self-playing pianos?

[@diaspo]

Ólafur's music has always had the most profound impact on me. His compositions are transcendentally and achingly beautiful.

[@MrDeedsly]

Apparently me too. Closest I've been to the verge of tears from music in a long time. NPR Music bringing people together through the power of great tunes.

[@mzubuki]

It's like a javelin of light piercing the void of a sickened soul, only to make fabulous lighting on entry.

[@Ferro12211]

Munchma Coochie me too

[@lodellas]

Yes.....

[@ColinHarman]

It always brings me to tears, it beckons something within me that few things do. Glad to know I'm not the only one.

[@scbluesman13]

The NPR Tiny Desk Comments Section: Probably the only place on KZbin where I will take someone's music advice and not be disappointed.

[@peachfreude]

When the violins and cello creeps in, I feel so much feelings overwashed me all at once

[@winston7397]

Who's here after Max Richter?

[@aryaizzulhaq9333]

A bit late, but i think those 29 people came from that video

[@emailkenny]

Yup 🙌🏽

[@Adam-vp4oe]

Max Richter is my absolute favorite and has been for years now. And I have never ever heard of this “Olaf”. I am more than pleasantly surprised.

[@christopheb2774]

@@Adam-vp4oe I learned of Max richter, Olafur Arnalds and Nils Frahm all at the same time from some contemporary piano playlist. Olafur and Nils have done some work together which you might enjoy. A last recent discovery of mine is 'Something Chimes In Me (Cirkopolis) ~ Stéfan Boucher' not a pure instrumental but I like it regardless. If you have any recommendations please go ahead.

[@Adam-vp4oe]

Christophe Bisschops based on your recommendation (which I absolutely enjoy), I believe you would enjoy: 1. Fog by Cecile McLorin Salvant (another non-instrumental). It’s this odd classical almost jazz with moving lyrics 2. Ms. Mystery 1 by George Winston. Absolutely skilled and moving piano 3. My second favorite song (behind November by Max Richter), Echorus by Daniel Hope (and others)

[@andreicherascu405]

"I don't always fall into debt, but when I do, it's to make my pianos go bleep bloop."

[@philippeleblanc7293]

There are good debts and bad debts, his was a good debt…

[@gavdrans]

The way Ólafur sways and moves while he plays is proof that he doesn’t possess his music - it possesses him. It grows and evolves and flows through him. And I believe only the most gifted writers and musicians in the world are capable of that.

[@JJ_1x]

Olafur is one of those few artists able to capture such emotion in simple melody without words. I am so happy to see him get attention here

[@nothing_happening_here]

What a lovely bunch of wizards and witches. The elves and fairies in the pianos were also very talented. Thanks for this concert!

[@geniejeen7751]

Yess your are completely right just amazing magic beeins over here make magic life ouuuuu

[@pgaffneyusa]

I'm at 13:00. I really love that you can hear the music, but also the mechanical sounds of the keys and the hammers playing. And then the organic vibrations of the violins and cello roll in. So excellent!

[@mjgarratt]

The bleep-bloop pianos are wonderful, even more so in the mix with each piano panned on different sides. Very nice indeed!

[@MrDeedsly]

I was thinking the exact same thing. Very cool simple great sounding addition to the music.

[@MarcTelesha]

It is a good mono compatible mix but the stereo from a headset is amazing. I love hearing the mechanics of the piano in the background. I actually was thinking how I could program this through midi or a vst plugin like scaler but I would miss the sounds.

[@AnneloesF]

What a beautiful example of man and machine amplifying each other's strengths and making a beautiful work of art. I just watched a documentary on Turing and now I see this. Computers can make art perhaps, but even more so, they can lift a human artist to higher grounds! To more profound humanity. Humbling to listen to, and also very beautiful and soothing. Thanks!

[@evanjlewis1]

Icelandic artists are the best...

[@keondrawilliams6204]

@ejettlewis like dermot kennedy

[@Crazyeg123]

Keondra Williams and Bjork

[@lisawhelan2101]

@@keondrawilliams6204 he's Irish 😂

[@wurstfinger3289]

music doesnt know stuff like that. easy listening music, but boring compositions.

[@WHOAM1894]

such a chill gentleman, and he brings such an interesting atmosphere to the space he's in. I'm so glad i've been blessed with the opportunity to discover this artist.

[@pablovasconcelos]

I always thought it funny when people looked at numbers of sales or charts to see the "new" music or think they are listening to what is next, I really belive that if you want progression and what comes further in the musical arts you have the best example right here. Thank you Ólafur Arnalds for composing this marvelous music and thank you NPR for bringing it to my ears.

[@olivierarnold_]

Haha we pretty.much have the same name but different ethnicity

[@FishingforFisher]

olivier arnold you two should collaborate

[@olivierarnold_]

George Fisher that would be awesome

[@LaWendeltreppe]

Yes, how fun!

[@quintenalserda2444]

Are you Dutch?

[@bradlaw87]

Peak jealousy over here. Haha.

[@ianivhojman2470]

Olafur has an amazing way of making use of technology for his music. Really inspiring.

[@marcelobarras]

Nils Frahm next please! This was magical.

[@Jarek9933]

YESSSSS!!

[@mnmlst1]

My thoughts! Imagine the two together in a tiny desk... Eternal bliss.

[@richardpambudi1352]

Obviously yes

[@iamix]

Or even Niklas Paschburg

[@christianlesurfmusic]

This guy is simply amazing. I love him so much.

[@gregoryedwards8004]

When the Very Best Of the Tiny desk comes around again I hope these guys are voted into the Top 10 of all time... Listen to the talking piano's... Its Music to be heard by the heart!

[@zaphyy]

Yessssss! I never thought Olafur would be on this show, this is absolutely incredible!

[@Llixgrijb]

Tiny Desk is on a roll. First, the Midnight Hour and now this!

[@MusicRevolution1992]

Llixgrijb agreed, they got a new upload time now or what??

[@mvarenin]

Set List "Árbakkinn" (0:00) - album: "Island Songs" (2016) "Unfold" (3:58) - album: "Re:member" (2018) "Saman" (7:57) - album: "Re:member" (2018) "Doria" (11:15) - album: "Island Songs" (2016)

[@zeezivol]

REALLY helpful to have these times and titles for future reference. THANKS!

[@southamepton]

DORIA is magnificent !!!! merci pour ta musique Olafur !

[@heybrandon12.23]

Thanks!!!

[@Wunderlustgirl]

You make such beautiful music. Glad I had a chance to see you live and looking forward to more shows soon!

[@mia7040]

Absolutely breathtaking❤

[@SeemsLogical]

Olafur is my favorite musician, this is definitely my favorite tiny desk concert you guys ever did!

[@plaskocordova]

Beautiful and haunting melodies. What an amazing and fantastic setup he has.

[@cannonw59]

I agree, Ólafur, your music has breathed new life into me. What a pleasure; Bravo! Peace&Love!

[@Danny_Matson]

Put into a beautiful trance state tonight. Thank you NPR. Thank you Olafur Arnalds.

[@hyparada1]

When I first heard "Arbakkinn" I was sitting my my patio writing in my journal about current situations I've been enduring. Writing about self validation and asking God, to please help me get through these moments. This song broke me to shambles could I ever tell you Mr. Arnalds, this song is soo priceless I have no words and would you ever know how meaningful it has become to me. Thank you, A fan of yours.

[@sebastienmuzi7694]

Ólafur's music has undoubtedly been a cure to my soul for the past 3 or 4 years... Such pristine piece of work

[@iwantrevengex]

When the right thing appear when you most needed! Beautiful!!

[@groovygub]

Diego López I thought exactly the same thing!

[@iwantrevengex]

Thats the power of music!

[@fanthomans2]

Man, two years ago you had no idea... Imagine how much the world needs this now.

[@ayeayeayetapes]

One of the most inspiring things I’ve seen in a very long while. Thank you universe

[@swikfors]

Incredibly beautiful! Heavenly. Soul healing.

[@DrMusicStarr]

Thank you NPR Music Tiny Desk for introducing me to yet another amazing artist. I'm also a pianist. Feels like he's a precious kindred spirit

[@ultimatebluegrassplaylistc3087]

I 2nd the motion! Tiny Desk has The Best audio quality compared to every other venue I've seen. These shows will go into a time capsule to retain the finest product of current humanity.

[@moamoa7067]

Waited a long time for this! Thank you NPR! 😘😘

[@makingupthemagic]

yes it took two years, but they are the most sublime pioum ploums sounds I've ever heard. Bless your idea and that programmer. In love!

[@orr971]

He's truly one of the greatest today. As I listen to him more, I discover how great he is.

[@mzubuki]

Ólafur, thank-you for the dazzling melodies quenching the thirst of my ears, with the breath of stars.

[@virginiefaure3932]

Thank you for your magic way. Your way, all of YOU… It’s beautiful music, poetry, brilliant persons simply. Thanks a lot all of You.

[@DrGreg28]

Excellent! Melodic, serene, lots of energy on top of that! Exquisite in a word!

[@briandickson6747]

Tiny Desk delivers again- chilled out and top notch!

[@SuperTroy18]

I always have to be careful with when I listen to his music. It haunts me. If I’m too far down, it hits so much harder than any other music I love. It can be so devastatingly beautiful.

[@illucid8te]

A beautiful and unique collaboration.... Thankyou :)

[@adhiantos]

It's just so fascinating to see the piano keys moving on their own. There seems to be a wonderful connection between Olafur and those keys, like it's invisible, but the keys' movements are just so soulful. Can't wait for the album seriously.

[@nonkululekononimapasa5587]

I literally get chills through my body. There's a form of exhaling that my body does when listening him. Thank you for quality!

[@cal2780]

Yes! My chest fills up with emotion. It's like the first dive into the water when I swim. If you're a swimmer you know what I mean.

[@willvides9856]

It had only passed 1minute and when the violins started playing I had already fallen un love 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@skyboundzoo7529]

I've always held the theory that 'calming' music to the listener always gets the creator hype. It's amazing to see his energy during this performance. I make music heavily inspired by the likes of yiruma and olafur and goldmund,, but could never really say it's because its relaxing. It feeds me an energy I don't get from any other collage of sounds. I love this

[@MrDeedsly]

I get it. I feel the energy comes from the music it's self. I felt that entire set through my body. I had happy tears the entire time listening to it. Music that stirs up emotions is powerful indeed.

[@TomJohnSmith]

PERFECTION. I can't wait to see him live

[@muskankapoor8358]

The two years of hardwok is worth for the music defines peace and love. Thank you. It feels beautiful 🌼

[@dianehinson2170]

Thanks for sharing your beautiful music x

[@MeLovingLive]

Amazing Ólafur Arnalds and friends. ... special thanks to the technical people setting up a incredible recording.

[@adriansmith9778]

Within the first 2 minutes I started to get teary eyed. I love Olafur Arnalds way of composing beautiful music so much. Thank you!

[@cal2780]

Genius! Brilliant music. Bleep bloop❤

[@danielaescobarlopez2405]

I absolutly love him and this perfect music from the bottom of his heart

[@nevertime1246]

Max did it again. He pulled inn my heart string. This got me thinking about long lost loves and the decisions I've made in my life. "How did I get here?" is a question I ask myself a lot. Thank you Max for giving me music to think to

[@nrojb]

Shirt says, "Do Not Think"

[@RainbowHii]

Thanks!

[@neomargs]

The name of his newer song :D

[@apollochukchi]

Margarito Rivera Exactly what I was going to say! ❤️

[@eislakkon3110]

Don't think , vote Don't think, eat Don't think,f#$& Don't think,just talk

[@airguitrst]

Because thinking is your enemy when you're creating art.

[@WalterDiBelloOfficial]

With his music he reaches new places! Beautifull!

[@rochellejohnsoncabil2800]

Great music to slowly wake up to. Thank You!

[@christinamalhotra2054]

So much beauty here I wish I could curl up and live right inside...somewhere suspended between these notes

[@cxmxg]

I feel you! Like when in The Revenant DiCaprio opens up his dead horse and sleeps inside him

[@edelkirke9330]

that is EXACTLY how I imagine it, neary like really delicate rain drops hanging off a beautiful flower lol

[@Sturnburn772]

that was really poetic

[@shadoxir]

Omigosh. I was just thinking about this and here he is, in TDC! Wow!

[@ragnoty]

Keep calm and enjoy this songs !!! Thanks Ólafur Arnalds !!!!

[@alanda87]

Fabulous. Going to be looking him up on music streaming app now.

[@lea_australiannativefaunaconsv]

magical & sublime performance 👏👏🙏

[@mattgiudice1337]

Absoluetly love this guy. So cool he's in one of your videos.

[@kiwanoish]

Hadn't heard Árbakkin, one of my new favorites, for some reason it does remind me alot of Max Richter, especially of On The Nature Of Daylight. Really nice concert over all, npr tiny desk concerts are always great! Thnx!

[@CocoAmanda]

I absolutely ❤the melody Doria! I have this on 🔁

[@audioa41]

amazing! his "Islands Songs" album on vinyl, cd and digital. it's majestic!

[@joshuapinkham2925]

I will be forever obsessed with his music

[@danielcoppens5684]

Fantastic. To see Olafur live is on my to do list for sure.

[@Deriviado]

this. this first song perfectly hits how I feel today and what I'm going through.

[@johnsanders2179]

This is just beautiful, what an amazing composer

[@AlexOlson11]

This is some next level, amazing stuff. Shockingly good.

[@DanielHorta]

When I asked them to bring Ólafur, it seemed like a distant dream. But now is true. Thank you NPR

[@burtonanderson5260]

This is making me feel so peaceful and achingly emotional.

[@kandish]

And here I am... crying on my desk in the middle of my day job over how beautiful this music is

[@souldier2875]

Watch his video for zero sooooo many tears lol. An absolutely beautiful video

[@SofaKingCous]

This man is such a genius, the fact that hes taken techniques from his other projects and applied them to classical methods are awesome (I've never seen someone use a player piano in a performance)

[@Cheeseboardv]

Marcus Sheppard I’m seen too many horror movies for that piano not to freak me out!

[@TomKilworth]

You might like the music of Ryuichi Sakamoto. Somewhat similar style and frequent use of player piano

[@hugokaudersociety1272]

George Antheil (1900-1959) "Ballet Mecanique"

[@omahajim22]

Look up “Orchestrion” by Pat Metheny. 💯

[@bettyreads222]

Amazing. I adore his music so seeing and hearing this just brought me so much joy

[@trisnawulandari6988]

glad to found the live performance on NPR, i recall to listen to Olafur Arnalds on Spotify

[@leeriley6442]

i just feel like crying listening to this...makes me reflect on my wasted life and wish i could start again.

[@dr.robertt.mullaneiii1561]

You are a beautiful young man with loads of talent. I hope you stay constant with your dreams always! God will bless you with visions! This I know/ Love, Dr. Mullane

[@lindyjohnson2908]

Incredible ....just beautiful!

[@rajz9138]

It gets better and better. Loved it!

[@PrYdoXx]

14:33 eargasm... this guy also heared it. This is absolutely incredible. Cant stop listening to this

[@sydtscott]

Absolutely delightful. Ólafur has a new fan.

[@d0nj03]

Oh wow, Ólafur Arnalds in a TDC! That's a winning selection right there.

[@christianharbin7979]

God! this was gorgeous. And just what I needed.

[@themaka1977]

Wow..... AMAZING!!!!!! love love love this!

[@tynerji7922]

Two things for defining this kind of music that i discover now : Simplicity and Beauty

[@banelemsimango7363]

Now we talking, being able to sink in to the melodies is what music means to me.

[@YourMaIsFit]

Absolutely magical!! Please please please please PLEASE get Nils Frahm on soon!!!

[@henningwinter108]

It's 36° and I just got goose bumps.

[@MariaJose-oh5yh]

Amazing! Beautiful! Sublime!

[@kiankalan5819]

How brilliant and authentic really

[@graemeroberts2935]

So beautiful in every way.

[@ericgonzalez2006]

At the very beggining I was thinking - well, nothing spectacular. But... was spectacular. Thank you very much guys.

[@carlalima9348]

Beautiful.