Víkingur Ólafsson - Rameau: Les Boréades: The Arts and the Hours (Transcr. Ólafsson)

At the centre of the album is an interlude from Rameau’s final opera, ‘Les Boréades’, written in 1763 when Rameau was 80. Ólafsson transcribed it for the modern piano because its colourful resonance allows for new and interesting textural possibilities in a piece that seems so ahead of its time: its rich harmonies of suspended 9ths and 11ths one could almost imagine Mahler writing in the late 19th century. In the original opera, based on a Greek legend, the interlude bears a somewhat lengthy title: “The Arrival of the Muses, Zephyrs, Seasons, Hours and the Arts.” As all these mythical beings summoned to the stage have something to do with the arts and with time’s passing, Ólafsson allowed himself to call my transcription simply ‘The Arts and the Hours’, with a nod to the Greek aphorism best known in its Latin version as “Ars longa, vita brevis”. Almost three centuries after his death, the legacy of his art is still growing, with works still being discovered, premiered and brought back from obscurity. Watch pianist Víkingur Ólafsson (“Artist of the Year” at the Gramophone Awards 2019) performs Rameau's 'The Arts and the Hours'.
"There is a timeless quality to the music that we felt was matched by the spirit of the gorgeous house. It is about time’s passing and art - ‘Ars longa vita brevis’ - and as a counterpoint to the three verses in the music we have three different characters appearing in their respective homes, surrounded by objects they are passionate about and which they have gathered over a long period of time. It is about listening to your heart." - Víkingur Ólafsson
"As we continued to talk about this, we started to discuss people that are obsessive collectors and go through their whole life collecting specific things, archiving them and taking care of their collection at their home. It is often really fascinating how people can be in love with random things and to see their sensitivity and delicacy that go into these collections." - Magnús Leifsson
Directed by Magnús Leifsson.
More from Víkingur Ólafsson
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More from Víkingur on Facebook: / vikingur.olafsson
More from Víkingur on KZbin: / vikingurolafsson
Concert dates on his website: vikingurolafss...
Víkingur Ólafsson - Rameau: Les Boréades: The Arts and the Hours (Transcr. Ólafsson)
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#VíkingurÓlafsson #Rameau #Piano

[@deutschegrammophon]

Ólafsson draws a parallel between the three verses of the piece and the three characters in the video - do you think they match?

[@hoipolloicassidy1594]

"Crutches for the handicapped!" - Gustav Mahler

[@Baard2000]

Sehr geehrter Deutsche Grammophon, Dank fur diese schöne Ausfuhrung! In dieser Zeit wurde es schön sein wenn jeder Tag einen Klavier Spielerin oder Spieler eine Interpration von derartige Stücke zur bemutigung auf Ihre Kanal hochladen darf /kann... (Und naturlich auch ohne diese Zeiten...) Wunderbares Stück!!!!!!❤❤❤💞💕💞💕👋👋👋👋👋👋👌👌👌👍👍☝️👍🤝🤝🙏🙏🙏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@keybawd4023]

What a bleeding stupid question? What condiscension Why don't you take your market stall and set it up somewhere else?

[@gustavolosio]

I love the composer, i´ts sublime the interpretation, but i´dont very like the story. I think that opaque the music. I´think that, sorry!

[@facundolopez159]

@@hoipolloicassidy1594 I should hate to live in a world where the handicapped cannot enjoy walking or the uneducated the blessing of musical appreciation merely because they are working class or unenlightened by musical taste and knowledge/education. All need training wheels before riding on a two-wheeled bicycle.

[@8413Lucas]

I've listened to this hundreds of times but never commented. It's so delicate and the sound is pure yet very deep, just so good!

[@saskianasroen451]

So smooth and touching... gorgeous..

[@tangleslong499]

Love this piece of music. But, I'm perplexed. Who composed this music? Was it Debussy, Bach or Rameau? If It's Rameau, why is it featured on Debussy CD?

[@france4me117]

This certainly sends a strong message how ordinary people and there passions in life are well valued :) Rameau's Les Boréades is a fine example of tranquility and total simplicity in form whilst sophisticated pianist like Víkingur Ólafsson transform this work into a beautiful journey never wished to end. I simply love his interpretations. Thank you for making me feel a better person.

[@france4me117]

Merci Deutsche Grammophon pour présenter une si belle musique. Sa passion pour l'âme et fait fondre mon appétit pour plus jouer du piano. Je ne fais que de la musique car je n'ai rien d'autre à vivre à part le chien bien-aimé Clément ..

[@cieszewskimariusz]

Your comment and this music made my day. Thank you!

[@TheNarcotricks]

Dans la présentation du morceau Vikingur indique que les harmonies sont si complexes qu'il n'y a quasi plus de tonalité identifiable au morceau. "Masquer l'art par l'art lui même"

[@aymerichm8835]

This moves me to tears. I am not ashamed of saying you are one of the greatest living pianists. You always make me rediscover pieces I've heard hundreds of times as if it was the first. I love complex and delicate baroque ornaments but here by skipping most of them you are going straight to the core of this serene poem, without any excessive "romantic" sentimentality, you've just reached the perfect balance. I am in awe. Also, the cinematography adds a lot to the emotion, so congrats to the team!

[@leidenhelma5579]

“Straight to the core of this serene poem ...” - how perceptive of you & how perfectly expressed. You are a poet!

[@prototropo]

Your appreciation is so dignified and elegant itself, Aymeric, that I feel honored to enjoy this music with you.

[@jan-pietervanwaasbergen9870]

What a great music Rameau and sublime performance. I write this on 15 march 2020, the world is in crisis for the corona virus, my country the Netherlands is closed, no concerts, no restaurants, but there is music, there is Rameau and it will comfort the soul and it is stronger than corona

[@sibionic]

what a beautiful post

[@IrinaReylander]

Indeed what a beautiful post, we need words like this!

[@danielthomas8432]

That's exactly how I feel today. This recording helps me breathe again...

[@monsieurgrigny]

Cool

[@freespirit995]

Dank u Veel! That is a wonderful post and totally appropriate for the dark times we are living through. Happily we have sublime art to help us.

[@mirellaczajkowska-turek5819]

Music that is calming my aching heart. Music that is touching my fears. Music that is taking myself high into heaven. May this music last forever

[@술톤윤돼지탄핵]

This beautiful music got me through the last year, 2020. Thanks for making life a bit more bearable. Time stands still whenever I listen to this.

[@ingeboeltjes7656]

Good morning mister vikingur, Thank you for your wonderful music. I am grateful that people like you exist. Love from the Netherlands Inge boeltjes

[@AlfredoLopez-do5ed]

As I write this my godfather is passing away and this piece is bringing me much solace and healing. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@roisin252]

Bless you both.

[@roisin252]

Bless you both.

[@AlfredoLopez-do5ed]

@@roisin252 Thank you

[@davidduaneh]

He plays so simply and so beautifully. And that is not an easy thing to do.

[@piero.peuceta]

Two little-known circumstances relating to this composition that is part of a larger lyrical tragedy, "Les Boréades": 1) was composed by Rameau at the ripe old age of 80, 2) after its first public performance in 1770, the complete work was performed publicly for the second time only in 1982.

[@jonathangoodman2636]

Not quite. The fully-staged work (an opera of sorts before the word was applicable) was preceded by non-staged performances in the 1970s.

[@davidvictor7042]

Probably the most beautiful recording that I have ever heard. Quite wonderful.

[@Oakrider0]

My dad passed away two days ago while I was in flight to see him. He has gone peacefully with mom and brother aside. I now know he is a good spirit flying anywhere anytime he wants to go without pain. Wish he can reunion his mother, who passed in his early childhood in heaven back in time. Dad, you are and will be best forever. Thanks so much for every thing you have done to me. Love you, my my my dad.

[@kj-te8ej]

So sorry !

[@chiii222]

Gentle, calm, peaceful...🌈 Im sure this beautiful work must go straight everyone' s heart so deeply. Thank you very much for sharing!

[@Currabell]

Love this performance. The video is magical too. All three have passions. Love how the camera lingers on their beautiful faces. A reminder that we humans are overwhelmingly kind in a world that has gone mad in 2020. 2021 can only bring something better and hopefully calmer.

[@evanmorse5065]

I get emotional every time I hear this gorgeous music. I feel like I belong to the time of Rameau.

[@Johan-kc9hd]

The organ version is also very nice. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnbIiZh8m66ag8k

[@ardarico]

I would love to get the score of Olafsson's transcription. It is really beautiful.

[@miguswede-2557]

Oldville and so do I❤️

[@catladyey1779]

And me too please , if anyone know where

[@catladyey1779]

I will try

[@SHUKU0820]

I tried "anthem" transcription app. The result was a bit disorganized because it faithfully tries to reproduce trills and rubatos, but practical enough after you have a look at Edlund's version.

[@catladyey1779]

Thank you so much for idea

[@MartinaD.]

I just love this wonderful piece of music. I can listen to Vikingur playing the piano for hours. It makes me happy, gives me peace and strength. ❤❤

[@itzeldunn427]

All his new videos have the most absolutely beautiful sounding piano. The resonance and clarity is amazing, of course due to his playing and sound engineering.

[@DavidBoycePiano]

And, evidently, a most excellent piano technician.- Sigurdur Kristinsson on the Bach and Glass CDs and presumably here also. This is my ideal of Steinway D sound, and what skill it takes on the part of the piano technician to achieve it!

[@zeljkom8235]

it’s a really great piano sound and recording - reminds me of some Fazioli recordings

[@RobertOrgRobert]

Agreed, the sound of perfection

[@DavidBoycePiano]

@@zeljkom8235 To me, Faziolis, which are instruments of the very highest quality, can sound rather cold and 'lean' in some recordings.

[@DavidBoycePiano]

I notice that two piano technicians are credited for for the Dubussy and Rameau CD; Sigurdur Kristinsson and Thomas Hubsch

[@j.erickson8571]

Outstanding. Such a beautiful rendition.

[@alfredkeppeler5582]

Wunderschön gespielt...tolle Atmosphäre, Ausflug in eine schöne Vergangenheit voller Emotionen.😍

[@claudinelasjuilliarias879]

Ou trouver la transcription piano de vikingur olafsson ?

[@pianomonty6543]

I find that Rameau’s melody sometimes sounds like a popular music. Vikingur’s artistry matches perfectly with the music and the images. Thank you for introducing this timeless beautiful music of his.

[@antoinemozart243]

You are spot on. Popular music is the source of all music.

[@ericp483]

Do you know that Rameau composed "brother Jack" ? Such a popular music !

[@operaforlife6551]

This makes me cry, but I can't stop listening at the same time, thank you for this reincarnated Rameau

[@willdon.1279]

Like floating on a cloud yet drawn into a dream of complex ideas. Great stress remover. Thanks DG.Rameau and Vikingure. :-)

[@z-e-r-o-]

He’s also a great transcriber and a song-finder.

[@hakankimakya1321]

Vikingur how beautiful your music and your performance. Know your creativity transcends all boundaries. Each of us has our own “time machine”, which takes us to childhood... And this is wonderful. Greetings from Kazakhstan, Almaty.

[@johnfox8912]

Mr Olafsson please share your score with the world.

[@ateliermailart3371]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nF65c2aOgpumpqM

[@davidherman29]

Never get tired of listening to this piece of music, it's so beautiful 🥰

[@jodane6186]

I keep returning to this video. Love it

[@chrismckeown1297]

Absolutely wonderful playing and beautiful piece.

[@shartingfish5761]

This was an ad, and so beautiful i listened to the whole thing, then searched for it..

[@leopierreventura22]

Thank you. I needed to listen to this, without even knowing. Greetings from Mexico City~ :')

[@steffenbachus3224]

wow...das ist etwas ganz Feines, edel und sinnlich. Gibt es für diese Adaption Noten? Ich hätte sie zu gern...

[@espenklang131]

da sind die Noten: ich finde dieses Stück und die Interpretation auch außergewöhnlich schön Transkription über Finale auf "espenklang" also a 4 Voice - Arrangement with Akkordeon.Viel Spaß. Tipp: Screenshot machen. Non Profit share

[@glenngouldification]

The simplicity and beauty of this performance is stunning. Vikingur is the Icelandic Gould !

[@vollmacuser]

Finally!

[@phebus2005]

Gould had anything but simplicity ! Thank God, this Icelandic pianist stood away from Gould ! (Incidentally, Bach always sounds awesome thanks to Bach’s writing, no matter how disturbed whoever mangled his work may have been. No other composer was ever that brilliant). Beauty is back, here. I could compare this pianist with Alexandre Tharaud, in the same repertoire (If you can sing it whilst listening, the job is well done).

[@aftermanyasummer2585]

I love those videos showing ordinary people in things they do and/or like.

[@mami-vo6cj]

It's a wonderful song and performance that makes you feel honest and quiet in an instant.

[@MargaretGeorgila]

Très bien la musique Rameau !!

[@inna18372]

wow thats sound....interpretation....im in heaven!

[@lapain5]

Ici, on dirait que Rameau se retourne sur sa vie et la regarde avec tendresse, comme ces collectionneurs dans la video. Belles images. Monsieur Olafsson est la cerise sur le gâteau, qui met en valeur toute la profondeur sentimentale de ce morceau tellement touchant. Dans l'édition musicale il y a Deutsche Grammofon.......et les autres . Vous ne trouvez pas?

[@wolfgangweber2516]

Hochkultur! was für ein einfühlsamer Pianist. wundervoll!

[@elenam5740]

Прекрасное исполнение, возвышенное и нежное!

[@marycavender7136]

Yes it describes them in a musical expression of sentiment, passion and creativity! There is personal satisfaction and accomplishment with all of them combined!

[@pierrelesage7097]

La grande musique française qui était en partie oubliée et ramenée à sa juste valeur par cette magnifique transcription au piano et cette interprétation toute en subtilité.

[@ruperttmls7985]

Generalmente no me agradan las adaptaciones orquestales a piano, pero este arreglo es hermoso! Es elegante, dulce y melancólico a la vez. Realmente digno de Rameau.

[@ericjacquemin5901]

This interpretation of Rameau is absolutely wonderful. Rameau is more important than Mozart.

[@nikoulph]

This melody spins in my head like the moon around the Earth...Thank you Vikingur Olafsson, your interpretations are priceless. I think more interpreter should consider this creative side to bring older music to a more contemporary time.

[@williamjueschke9960]

Beautiful, I just heard this piece of music for the first time on KUSC in L.A. I’m so glad I did.

[@MarkVeenman730314]

These videos are spell-binding. Thanks so much! Would love to hear you do Rameau's Gavotte avec 6 doubles.

[@robtaylor7772]

Such a sonorous performance - this seems to be the trademark of his playing whenever I've heard it. Fabulous!!!

[@Cbcybry]

Totally sublime!

[@ann-kristinconde6024]

So different and wonderful.

[@eduhbas]

Dieu existe... comment peut-il y avoir autant de beauté...

[@petrbrabec6095]

This Is absolute Dream! Great combination of old maestro in new arrangement. So much inspiring. Thank you very much!

[@kingdiamond1993]

Thin Oborin face !!!!! Like a 1920s Oborin

[@sebinheo8762]

Oh my god... I'm literally crying now.. So touching...

[@filosofiailuminante.catedra]

where do i buy the sheet music?

[@normandieparis8548]

Et Rameau traverse les siècles et les genres musicaux. Merci M Olafsson

[@davidfloren5339]

Subjective opinion follows: This piece breathes with equanimity. But not of the boring, dreary kind. I'm talking about the hale, flowing kind. The kind that hits you with a wonderful simultaneity of profundity, confidence, and a healthy dash of the master chef's careful extraction and measuring out of the secret sauce otherwise known as joie de vivre.

[@nvmd1875]

So peaceful and wonderful

[@victordiscofreak4768]

Me gusta ver ese homenaje a las personas que coleccionamos objetos. Esas creaciones mágicas, diseños únicos. Maravillosa canción y video.

[@Pianoman1488]

I love this...so beautiful and moving. Is there any way to get the transcription on sheets?

[@ateliermailart3371]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nF65c2aOgpumpqM

[@marieclaude5360]

Juste magnifique ! je plane et ne sais qui remercier de Rameau ou d'Olafsson...peut-être les deux !

[@marycavender7136]

It feels like a gentle floating cloud or smoke disapating into infinity! Gentle and powerful in the right balance of ratios!🌹🧲🎵👍🇩🇪🎼🎶🎭

[@pierrelesage7097]

when beauty runs down my cheeks tears of happiness and peace

[@michaelfierman3256]

Your Bach interpretations are sublime. thank you for this gorgeous pice as well

[@dbadagna]

Both the playing and recording ambience are excellent. I think it would sound even more beautiful if the piano were tuned to a meantone temperament.

[@matthewweflen]

OK, the music and the playing are great, but can we talk about the third woman's amazing taste in pinball machines?

[@ergaomnes1]

I agree

[@ergaomnes1]

Le flipper est un Xenon ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@1000pollak]

I haven't got quite as many books as the man in verse 2, but I identify with him - and Vikingur plays superbly here. Thank you!

[@kanako6659]

This sound flattens my mind. It seems to make me feel better and take a deep breath.

[@miquelsosa]

The music of Rameau is truly beautiful, but listening to "Les Boréades" on piano is simply beautiful.

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

When approached by Deutsche Gramophone they were skeptical at first, but eventually the three of them put their heads together designed a robot; a robot so powerful that it could play baroque music on piano in the manner of Chopin and do what no D G artist had done in twenty years - shift units! and rocket classical music right into the easy listening corporate elevators of late capitalism!

[@Wkkbooks]

LOL! Just in time, too!

[@cliftondowns4798]

Rameau and Olafsson = capitalist lackeys

[@kennethduckworth8100]

But people wouldn't want to leave the elevators!

[@tomarmstrong1281]

Vikingur has the special talent of making every arrangement he plays sound like it has been reduced to it’s essential notes. Hie rendition sounds uncomplicated and easy to play. However, as said that is his talent. I have purchased some of his piano transcripts. They are not easy to play. As yet I never achieve the elegance and control anywhere neat to my satisfaction.

[@pascalgys4021]

Transcription et interprétation de toute beauté

[@blankname4716]

Great job putting the video together. You don't see enough of this kind of thoughtfulness with the potential of the music.

[@southernbiscuits1275]

This is a beautiful piece of music. Olafsson's interpretation is so gentle and comforting. Also, am I alone in hearing hints of the song, "Over the Rainbow" in the melody? Such a moving performance.

[@hughgregorywaldock8738]

Undyingly, seamlessly, and timelessly beautiful and so sensitive! That really does make me cry.

[@andretroiano2]

this video is wonderful

[@supehr]

Can someone tell me, because I can't sleep thinking about this, what are these noises in the background of these solo piano recordings? This swish swish sound. Is this pushing pedals or what? You can't hear it on older records like from the 80's, but nowadays it's always there and more and more audible

[@theodeborbamoosburger4903]

Mjög fallegt!

[@tleekauai]

Wonderful pairing of the music with video vignettes of people enjoying their private hobbies and artistic pursuits! Very touching modern interpretation of this Rameau masterpiece!

[@userbtiulay104]

신이시여, 우리는 인류에게 닥친 이 어려움에 우리에게 주어진 이 아름다움으로 위안을 보냅니다. 부디 우리에게 이 병을 이겨낼 수 있는 지혜와 서로를 이해하고 도울 수 있는 자비와 강건함을 주시기를, 이 아름다운 선율에 경건한 마음을 담아 구합니다🙏🏻

[@dgw2118]

I love everything about this video.

[@Natalie-dw9jy]

Wow. This is so beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing

[@49barcelona]

Still watching in Thailand...beautiful ❣️

[@ortobei]

Merci pour cette sublime interprétation, notre cher Rameau aurait été ému. Merci ❤️

[@robertoa.m.3984]

It seems strange, because it sounds like Bach, and Rameau is not Bach. Some mistake here......

[@antoinemozart243]

They lived in the same period, like Haendel, Teleman, Vivaldi.

[@elenachatzigeorgaki5990]

I close my eyes and I feel my heart getting warmer. Truly brilliant ❤

[@monpuo]

I am so touched. Amazing, thankyou for this.

[@ChitownKlepto]

This fellas tunes are glorious.

[@mandrej]

Perfect music video. Love the overhead shot of the piano at the end.

[@roboangad]

Such beautiful storytelling in so many different forms :)

[@atreyu12341234]

I've just read a news article where it was said that the classical music is dying in America because lack of diversity... That is mainly for white rich asians... I call bollocks on that... It's predominantly like this because it demands a lot of practice and self sacrifice in order to achieve any level of greatness... This is music that speaks for the soul... It will never die because you can't deny its greatness...

[@directionofease]

So, so beautiful. All of it. Thank you.

[@user-kv7ee7sy1y]

wow... is it possible to get a transcription of this?

[@jeanlouiscellario2225]

Ça c’est une pure merveille, un bijou de délicatesse ...

[@danielrigden200]

Absolutely gorgeous, thank you

[@violinpraxis]

I wish I had a cool name like his 😂🤣

[@miguelangelavilescorey5467]

This is just wonderful.

[@montelbo99]

Where can I buy the music for this?