Thorsteinson is probably Iceland’s most beloved song composer and this programme includes some of the nation’s absolute favourites. In the early 1900s he started to compose songs for both solo voice and chorus to the words of well-known Icelandic poets. His twelve songs published in 1907 are a national treasure. Iceland’s energy and landscape were key influences in making this record. Escaping into the wilderness and the surrounding mystery and natural poetry are ingredients as important as the two soloists. This is why a venue in Iceland was chosen for the recording sessions.

1840 is considered Robert Schumann’s Liederjahr (Year of Song) in reference to his nearly exclusive devotion to song composition from 1840 to 1841. The two cycles op.24 and op.39 were composed and published in 1840.