The project brings together 30 of Jóhannsson’s best-loved works, newly arranged for piano and published by Faber Music. Though Ott never met Jóhannsson, she describes the experience of working on these pieces as “a very personal dialogue with him.” In preparation, she spoke with several of his collaborators to understand his approach and musical language before recording all 30 tracks in Reykjavík with producer Bergur Þórisson, a longtime colleague of the composer.
Ott performed most of the works on Þórisson’s old upright piano, drawn to its nostalgic, felted sound. “What’s so incredible about Jóhann’s music is how his compositions, originally written for larger ensembles and different instruments, translate so beautifully to the piano,” she reflects. “Within this more focused and intimate sound world, the writing reveals hidden nuances and enhances the purity and clarity that are so intrinsic to his music.”
The second EP, Piano Works – From Englabörn, will follow on 12 December, with the complete 30-track album due in all formats on 6 March 2026.
Listen to the first single 'Jóhannsson: The Theory of Everything (from "The Theory of Everything") [Performed on Piano]' here.