PRESS RELEASE
New Icelandic Art-Song Cycle Released by Polarfonia Classics
Hallveig Rúnarsdóttir · Elmar Gilbertsson · Snorri Sigfús Birgisson
Thorvaldur Gylfason: 39 Songs to Poems by Kristján Hreinsson
2 CDs (2023)
Polarfonia Classics, Iceland´s main publisher of classical music, presents a major new contribution to the modern Nordic art-song tradition: a two-disc, 39-song cycle composed by Thorvaldur Gylfason, one of Iceland’s most active contemporary composers, set to the poetry of celebrated Icelandic poet Kristján Hreinsson.
The recording features acclaimed Icelandic artists:
- Hallveig Rúnarsdóttir, soprano
- Elmar Gilbertsson, tenor
- Snorri Sigfús Birgisson, piano
Together, they bring to life a wide-ranging collection of songs about longing, sorrow and happiness, will and hope, love, life, landscape, and art. The cycle blends lyricism and clarity with a strong Nordic aesthetic, offering a rare fusion of classical art-song traditions with modern Icelandic poetic expression.
The release includes:
- Complete English translations of all poems
- A 90+ page bilingual booklet
- Printed sheet music for the entire cycle
- Notes by the composer and the poet
- Short bios of the performers, poet, and composer
The double album stands as a significant addition to the contemporary song literature of the Nordic region, giving international listeners access to Icelandic musical and poetic artistry through both performance and score.
Label: Polarfonia Classics
Format: 2 CDs
Release Year: 2023
For press inquiries, review copies, or additional materials, please contact:
Thorvaldur Gylfason, gylfason@hi.is