Pétur Jónsson’s ‘Over the Horizon’ Takes New Galaxy Smartphone Users on a Soundscape Journey

As smartphones become an increasingly essential tool of everyday life, the ringtone, too, has made a presence in today’s modern world. “Over the Horizon” is perhaps one of the most recognizable ringtones, as it has been the default ringtone of Galaxy devices since 2011. It is so recognizable, in fact, that when heard from a distance, you might even wonder if it’s coming from your own device.

Each year, with each new generation of Galaxy devices, “Over the Horizon” is rearranged to mirror the aesthetic transformation of the devices themselves. For 2018, Samsung reached out to Icelandic composer Pétur Jónsson to reimagine the melody.

Delicately layering instruments, Jónsson’s minimalist arrangement takes you away on an atmospheric journey of discovery. The piece begins with the soft tones of a single piano playing the refrain. As additional instruments are gradually introduced, the sound rises to a crescendo before melting away. As the video cuts away from the opening scene of Jónsson at the piano, it prompts you to imagine travelling over the remote Icelandic countryside. Capturing the beauty of Nordic nature, the camera pans over misty mountains and jagged cliffs, steaming geysers and snow-blanketed hills.

Listening to this year’s piece by Jónsson, you will find that the notes arouse the most pure, fundamental elements of the human sentiment that often remain hidden in our daily lives. In this way, the latest version of Samsung’s brand sound has the power to relax the mind and heal the soul, thus resonating with all who hear it, regardless of their age.

Get a first listen of Jónsson’s version of “Over the Horizon” in the video below.