Songs
These are just preview samples. You need a valid account and be logged in to hear the full tracks.
- artist:Afenginn
- release year:2016
- style(s):Scandinavian, Contemporary
- country:Denmark
- formats:Audio File / Digital, CD (Compact Disc), LP / Vinyl
- record posted by:Afenginn / Klingra
- label:Westpark Music
- publisher:Westpark Music
- buy this record
Links
OPUS - big music from a small country
The Danish band Afenginn will release their 6th album OPUS on April 29th - an ambitious work in four movements with inspiration from ethnic music, rock and the classical symphony.
Double album in four movements
The title of the new album says it all: OPUS, the new release of Danish music project Afenginn, has indeed become a major work, consisting of four movements - just like a classical symphony. Within those pieces, a kaleidoscopic and unusual world of sounds unfolds, largely unspoilt by
traditional patterns and structures. Influenced by folk, world music and
classical music, Afenginn have created their own individual style, acoustic, innovative, dynamic and doleful, which has brought them a wealth of awards and grants in their home country as well as worldwide
appreciation and success.
40 creative days and nights in Tasmania
The unforeseeable played a decisive role in the creative process of OPUS: While on tour in Australia, Kim Rafael Nyberg - frontman and composer in Afenginn - had an accident, leaving him stranded in Tasmania for 40 days. The involuntary rest far away from home lead to an unexpected outburst of creativity, making him rediscover the fascination of Scandinavian folk traditions. When Nyberg finally returned to Copenhagen, he had most of the drafts for new album in the bagage.
“Opus is the result of a series of unforeseen circumstances, as well as the synergy and effort of many people,” says Nyberg. “In a small way this mirrors how life often evolves: uncontrollable, unforeseeable, yet still
somehow navigable. As a composer in the midst of this unfolding play, I am reminded that different qualities usually lead to a whole which is greater than the sum of its individual parts. These are part of the sentiments I wish to express with Opus.”
From meditative minimalism to hymnic highlights
OPUS sucks the listener into an ambitious universe of sound with high ceilings and many layers to listen to. The double album and has turned out ambitious and moving – touching in its quieter passages, electrifying in its wild, exuberant and epic moments where up to 20 musicians are
playing simultaneously, such as singer Ólavur Jákupsson (best known from his work with Yann Tiersen) and Ale Carr from Dreamers Circus on cittern.
It is not a record made up of easily accessible pop singles, but it offers a wealth intense and profound experiences for anyone willing to embrace it.
“This is one statement I wanted to make with this record,” Nyberg concludes. “It doesn’t always have to be instant gratification. It’s not all Facebook videos and small articles. It’s okay to make something bigger. More like a long-term relationship than a one-night stand.”
OPUS is available on double-vinyl, double CD and download on April 29, 2016.
Watch a video about the making of OPUS at www.vimeo.com/afenginn/opus
Line-up:
Rasmus Krøyer: clarinet, bass clarinet
Niels Skovmand: violin
Kim Rafael Nyberg: mandolin, piano, composition
Erik Olevik: cello, bass, synth bass
Kaare Munkholm: marimba, vibraphone, piano
Knut Finsrud: drums, percussion
Ulrik Brohuus: drums, percussion
Guestmusicians:
Ólavur Jákupsson: vocals
Ale Carr: cittern
Katrine Grarup Elbo: violin
Nordic String Quartet: strings
Ketil Duckert: trumpet, flügelhorn
Gustav Rasmussen: trombone, bass trombone
Vokalselskabet GLAS: Bulgarian female choir