move (IS)

About

move (IS)
Norðurljós, Harpa Thursday
August 29th
19:00

Seven years ago, saxophonist Óskar Guðjónsson assembled a quartet where the focuse was on performing handwritten compositions that had accumulated in his meticulously kept sketchbooks over the years.
It soon became clear that this was a project all members were willing to invest significant time in and truly make their own.
From this collaboration, a partnership developed, taking place in Eyþór Gunnarsson’s studio. The approach was to repeatedly play the pieces, explore different interpretations, and experiment with various approaches. Simultaneously, the music began to take shape, building a strong connection among the members. In addition to Óskar and Eyþór, the quartet includes Valdimar Kolbeinn Sigurjónsson on bass and Matthías Hemstock on drums, all of whom share their initials in the name “MOVE.”
During the digital age, handwritten scores have become increasingly rare, yet they hold a certain delicate nuance that can make a difference.
Óskar has long cultivated a personal style in his compositions, reflected in his handwriting and choices of what to write and what not to write down. This aligns with his approach to performance, which is structured but open to endless spontanious directions at the same time. The element of spontaneity stems from a desire for the music to
develop independently, adapting and evolving based on the passage of time and circumstances.
Although the compositions are instrumental, they carry names inspired by reflections on life, existence, people, and related phenomena. The sketchbooks also serve as a form of diaries, capturing moments that arise in life.
Nearly all of MOVE’s rehearsals have been recorded, and part of the work process involves listening back to the recordings to discern the essence of each piece. There are quite a few hours’ worth of material accumulated, along with many liters of sparkling water and carefully brewed coffee that have been consumed during this creative journey.
After a long joyful journey the members of MOVE now share a collective realm of ideas—one that can be entered, explored, and followed wherever it leads. Welcome aboard!!

Óskar Guðjónsson, tenor & soprano saxophone
Valdimar Kolbeinn Sigurjónsson,  double bass
Eyþór Gunnarsson, piano
Matthías Hemstock, drums