Crushing Classical

Lullabies For Piano And Cello is a collection of instrumental works inspired by Icelandic folk songs. Accompanied by cellist Steiney Sigurðardóttir, the duo tracked the album in Reykjavik’s Eldborg Concert Hall. Following the implementation of choir, orchestra, and cinematic heft on 2022’s Solon Islandus, Gabríel made a conscious decision to strip the sound down to just these two instruments. As opposed to electronics, multi-tracking provided expansive flourishes. Together, Gabríel and Steiney unlocked a striking sound reliant on their quiet chemistry and a rich connection. The 10-track album traces its origin to a famous collection of Icelandic melodies entitled Icelandic Folk Songs, which was unearthed by Gabríel at an antique bookshop in his home city of Reykjavik. Originally published in 1906, this out-of-print tome collated various folk numbers and lullabies with rare sheet music. Gabríel decided to not only reimagine five of the book’s tunes but to also pen five of his own lullabies as an homage to trad