Vernacular

Listen on Presto Music. Free thirty day trial. Find out more.

A brilliant young Icelandic newcomer offers sterling advocacy in fascinating solo works by contemporary compatriots. — MusicWeb International, June 2019

Release Date: 8th Mar 2019
Catalogue No: DSL-92229
Label: Dorian Sono Luminus
Length: 58 minutes

Usually despatched in 3 - 4 working days

Pálsson, P R: Afterquake

Work length14:09

$3.00

$3.85

$5.25

Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir (cello)

Jónsdóttir: 48 Images of the Moon

Work length15:03

$4.00

$5.15

$7.00

Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir (cello), Magnús Bergsson (tape)

Smárason: O

Work length11:34

$3.00

$3.90

$5.25

Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir (cello)
Recorded: 12-16 March 2018
Recording Venue: Sono Luminus Studios, Boyce, Virginia, USA

I. Ljós

Track length3:54

$1.00

$1.30

$1.75

II. Minni

Track length5:36

$1.00

$1.30

$1.75

III. Slokkna

Track length2:04

$1.00

$1.30

$1.75

Hallgrímsson: Solitaire, Op. 1

Work length17:21

$5.00

$6.50

$8.75

Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir (cello)
Recorded: 12-16 March 2018
Recording Venue: Sono Luminus Studios, Boyce, Virginia, USA

I. Oration

Track length2:30

$1.00

$1.30

$1.75

II. Serenade

Track length2:12

$1.00

$1.30

$1.75

III. Nocturne

Track length5:44

$1.00

$1.30

$1.75

IV. Dirge

Track length3:49

$1.00

$1.30

$1.75

V. Jig

Track length3:06

$1.00

$1.30

$1.75

About
Reviews
Explore

About

Sæunn Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir writes, “I dream in Icelandic despite having spent most of my life outside of Iceland. My native language shows itself in other ways too, as I found out early in my development as a cellist, when my teacher pointed out that I am extremely sensitive to the textures and overtones of sound, probably related to the abundance of un-voiced consonant sounds in Icelandic. It is an old language, preserved by isolation, and in the process of adapting to a quickly changing world. I see classical contemporary music sharing a similar process, finding new sounds and ways of expression through old means in a dialogue with our way of life. There is also an appreciation of silence and economy of expression in Icelandic culture that I find comforting and fascinating. This project is a compilation of pieces by composers that not only share my mother-tongue and culture, in language and music, but also bring their unique perspective and expression in their compositions. From the moment that I played Solitaire for the first time, I felt a connection, not only to the music but also beyond the music. The more recent pieces are collaborations with Halldór, Páll and Þuríður and I couldn’t have asked for more generous artists to come into my life and allow me to explore my voice through their music. This project has stretched me and challenged me in ways that I couldn’t begin to comprehend, a homecoming of sorts in my musical life and I have many people to thank for making it happen.” Icelandic-American cellist, Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir, enjoys a varied career as a performer, collaborator and educator. She has appeared as soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Iceland Symphony, among others, and her recital and chamber music performances have taken her to many of the world’s prestigious halls including Carnegie Hall, Suntory Hall, Elbphilharmonie and the Barbican Center. The press have described her playing as “charismatic” and “riveting” (NYTimes) and praised her performances for their “emotional intensity” (LATimes).

Reviews

June 2019

A brilliant young Icelandic newcomer offers sterling advocacy in fascinating solo works by contemporary compatriots.

Vernacular

CD

Downloads

Contents

Download queue