There is a world of myth and legend surrounding the origin of
Odinâs Raven Magic, a chapter of Medieval Icelandic poetic verse and part of a literary canon known as the Edda. Doubt was cast upon itâs authenticity in the 19
th century, but is now recognised as having origins in the 14
th century.
The legend of the musical interpretation by Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós is not quite so old, but still goes back some 18 years to when they were commissioned to create the work by the Reykjavik Arts Festival in 2002. It was performed only a handful of times that year and become part of Sigur Rósâ own mythology. The work has existed in snippets found online, but after 18 years, the live recording of the 70-minute score featuring the Schola Cantorum of Reykjavik and LâOrchestre des Laureats du Conservatoire National de Paris performing at the Parisâ La Grande Halle de la Villette has now been released.