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Preview Tue Oct 01 2013
Glide Into Fall with Ólafur Arnalds
Haunting. Stunning. Overwhelming. They're just a few of the words I've used to describe Ólafur Arnalds. The Icelandic pianist excels at layering his music with classical, electronic and even some pop music. Where Arnalds best shows his skills is in how songs slowly build with percussion or strings or just atmospherics constantly providing another little something for ears to munch on. Songs run the gamut from uplifting to devastating, even from one's beginning to end. There are points where you may be in awe. A minute later you might get chills. Essentially, his compositions sink in. As a performer, Arnalds can thrill. At the MCA in 2011, he was locked in with string accompaniment and dazzled with a light show that perfectly fit the mood of his pieces. (And if you've been watching Broadchurch, you've heard the range in which his music can be used.)
Ólafur Arnalds headlines two shows at Constellation (3111 N. Western Ave.) on Thursday, the 3rd. Lisa Alma opens both. The shows are at 6pm and 9pm. Tickets are $25.