Live Review

Olafur Arnalds – Bridgewater Hall, Manchester

• 5th Jul 2010

Olafur Arnalds walks unassumingly on to The Bridgewater Hall stage at 10pm, ready to debut his second full length album “…and they have escaped the weight of darkness”. Hailed as the boy wonder of the neo-classical movement, the 23 year old Icelander has a lot to live up to.

Accompanied by the RNCM, Arnolds headlines tonight’s entertainment which includes: Johnny Greenwood’s ‘Popcorn Superhet Receiver’
Avner Dorman’s ‘Spices Perfumes, Toxins!’ and a performance of Igor Stravinsky’s ‘The Rite of Spring’. Tough company then.

The unique blend of classical and electronica intrigues from the first note. Arnold’s triggered samples and minimalist piano playing serve as a canvas on which to paint his superb string melodies. Originally written for string quartet …and they have escaped the weight of darkness benefits from the backing of a 72 piece orchestra, the harmonies are fuller, the crescendos grander.

Arnalds describes “…and they have escaped the weight of darkness” as more of a pop album than a traditional classical composition. This is reflected live, instead of one piece with different movements, each song feels like a separate entity, held together by sparse electronic blips and hiss.

Delicate, reflective, innovative and cinematic, “…and they have escaped the weight of darkness” works exceptionally well in a live setting. This night sees potential fulfilled.