Kjartan Sveinsson, formerly of Sigur Rόs, is releasing his first solo project, a four act opera entitled Der Klang der Offenbarung des Gӧttlichen, this Friday. The title’s English translation is “The Explosive Sonics of Divinity” and such a name is fitting for this lofty orchestral and choral work. From rumbling percussion to shimmering strings, the arrangements on the album are simply remarkable and Sveinsson and Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson must be praised for creating such a vivid and modern classical work.
Inspired by Nobel Laureate Halldόr Laxness’ novel World Light and its text extolling a longing for beauty, Der Klang der Offenbarung des Gӧttlichen is an illuminating symphonic feat that evokes the beautifully divine in a profound, sweeping way. Opening with “Teil I”, Der Klang der Offenbarung des Gӧttlichen sets the stage with deep, somber tones that coalesce into a rising symphonic swell. As the movements unfold, the angelic tones are set upon by thunderously vivid drums and tension slowly begins to build.
This build is cut cinematically short as “Teil II” cuts in with an ethereal choir intoning a cascading, celestial melody that entwines with powerful strings floating along the composition’s vast environment. When “Teil III” opens, its melody line recalls themes heard on the previous tracks, yet in a new way that pushes them further towards cinematic moments of resolution.
“Teil IV” is an evocative piece that encompasses all the elements of the works that came before it. As Der Klang der Offenbarung des Gӧttlichen draws to a close, colossal choirs and orchestras strike upon the themes that came before them giving the proceedings a sweeping grandeur befitting an epic of this ilk.
Der Klang der Offenbarung des Gӧttlichen will be released October 28 via Bel-Air Glamour Records and The Vinyl Factory as a double gatefold 10” vinyl featuring artwork by Ragnar Jartansson. You can follow Kjartan Sveinsson on Facebook, Twitter, SoundCloud, and on his website at www.kjartansveinsson.com.
