5 Songs I Love w/ Eythor Arnalds

Following the release of his latest single 'Opening', taken from his upcoming album 'Music for Walking' (May 2026). Flex caught up with Icelandic cellist and composer Eythor Arnalds to discover what influences his immersive neoclassical sound. If you enjoy Eythor's picks, be sure to check out 'Opening' at the end of the article.

1. Autumn (redux) · Joep Beving

Joeb Beving comes from my beloved Amsterdam like Reinbert de Leeuw who introduced Satie to the world with his soft touch. The song Ida is has all the best elements of Joeb, magical tone, elegant melody and a very, very human touch.

2. Flight from the City - Jóhann Jóhannsson

Flight from the city is one of my favorite songs by my friend Jóhann Jóhannsson who left us all too soon. The song is a tribute to the Orpheus myth, life, death and rebirth. The theme in the song is simple but hypnotic, like an idea that bounces into silence and darkness.

3. Movement, Before All Flowers - Max Richter

 Movement, Before All Flowers is a beautiful song by Max Richter with peaceful calmness. It is the final track from his album 2024 In A Landscape. I especially like the cello as it counterpoints the violin.

4. andata - Ryuichi Sakamoto

I have always loved Ryuichi Sakamoto since hearing his music with the Yellow Magic Orchestra. In his later years his music bridged Debussy, minimalism, electronics and a unique touch. Andata is an almost religious hymn with a melody that could be from a Bach Cantata, but is transformed into the present with great spirituality. It is one of my favorite songs by Sakamoto and from my favorite album; Async.

 5. Moan - Trentemöller

Moan by Trentemöller is a haunting electronic instrumental song with the added vocal of Ane Trolle singing. The song has a grand melancholy that I love. The video is a tribute to Laika, the first animal to orbit the Earth in 1957.

Watch Eythor Arnalds 'Opening'

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