"Some Kind of Peace" is a captivating collection of works by Ólafur Arnalds, a composer from Iceland known for his ability to blend classical and electronic music.
The series begins with "Loom," setting the tone with a piece that weaves intricate melodies and rhythms. Although highly repetitive, it has a suspended and timeless quality.
The second piece, "Spiral," originally written for string quartet, is more classical, always in a minor key, steady and almost apathetic, concluding with more complex but sparse rhythms.
"Woven Song" continues the journey with its hypnotic circle of alternating notes, bringing subtle shades and a sense of distance.
Next is "Back to the Sky," a melodic and rhythmic piece in Phrygian mode that combines alternating hand techniques with a more driving, jazz-like rhythm. Here, the muted effect is more pronounced, creating velvety sounds.
"We Contain Multitudes" is a more carefree piece, recorded at a brisker tempo yet still tender, with an underlying sense of nostalgia that, while not overly dramatic, aims to elevate the human spirit.
Simonetto masterfully interprets the spirit of Arnalds, capturing the essence of his emotive style. The piano he uses, a Steinway D-274, is specially prepared by Simonetto himself, giving the sounds a particularly muffled and mystical quality. Each piece in this notable series offers a unique exploration of peace, woven together by Arnalds' magical compositions and Simonetto's extraordinary performance.
