Moonbow is Gunnar Andreas Kristinsson’s second album, the first to be released on a major label. The music, performed by leading members of the Icelandic contemporary music scene, was recorded in Kaldalón and Norðurljós, the two recital halls of Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall. While Gunnar’s first album, Patterns, contains pieces from his study and freelance years in The Hague, MOONBOW is a selection of more mature works from a fruitful period in the composer’s life after moving back to Iceland in 2009, with all the experience from the Netherlands in his pocket. The album features a trio, a quartet and a quintet, flanked by two larger ensemble pieces. The works are diverse, not only in terms of instrumentation but also in terms of musical subject and give a good insight into Gunnar’s distinctive and personal sound-world.

Tracklist

1. Sisyfos [18:06]

2. Patterns IIb [11:39]

3. Moonbow [15:32]

4. PASsaCAgLia B [6:41]

5. Roots

I. [4:09]

II. [3:32]

III. [2:48]

Total Time [62:32]

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STARA is Halldór Smárason’s debut album.

It was recorded in Halldór’s hometown of Ísafjörður, in the Westfjords region in the northwestern part of Iceland.

Featuring works from different stages in the composer’s life, ranging from his student years in New York to this day as a family man and freelance composer, STARA shows Halldór’s development of a characteristic style and unique sense of narrative. All the works on the album are inspired by personal experiences, and are often dedicated to people close to the composer himself.

STARA features Halldór’s three string quartets: draw + play, Stara, and BLAKTA; the guitar solo piece Skúlptúr 1; and the chamber works _a_at_na and stop breathing.

Halldór’s music has been described as atmospheric yet aggressive, characterized by a simmering energy just beneath the surface that erupts from time to time. His compositional voice is highly original and personal.

In each composition, Halldór strives for a distinct approach, which is guided by the specifics of the composition (the occasions, the space,

the instruments, the performer, etc.). As a result, his sonic repertoire is extremely rich. He often includes extra-musical and music-theatrical aspects, which create highly distinct artistic experiences. Additionally, Halldór has been acknowledged for high attention to detail in regards to sound and notation.

STARA is intended to be an insightful portrait of the composer, introducing Halldór’s poetic sonic world.

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