Tvær hliðar/Two Sides presents two contrasting sides of our music-making. On the first CD we perform our core repertoire of Italian and Swedish Baroque music, but Barokkbandið Brák also seeks to expand the repertoire for historical instruments by commissioning new works by up and coming Icelandic composers, and the second CD showcases new Icelandic music written specially for the ensemble. All of these works share the same sound world as all the music is performed on historical instruments from the baroque era

Barokkbandið Brák was founded in 2015 by Icelandic violinists Elfa Rún Kristinsdóttir, Guðbjörg Hlín Guðmundsdóttir and Laufey Jensdóttir. The ensemble mainly consists of Icelandic musicians who all share a passion for historically informed performance of Renaissance and Baroque music and seek to bring the music from this period to a wide audience in Iceland and abroad.

Since its founding the group has held numerous concerts in Iceland with great success. Most of Brák’s performances have been recorded and broadcasted by the Icelandic National Radio (RÚV). Brák has been regularly nominated for the yearly Icelandic Music Awards, and in 2020 won the award for "Concert of the Year". Barokkbandið Brák constantly seeks new concepts and frequently collaborates with renowned singers, dancers and instrumentalists from all over Europe to expand the range of possibilities. 

Disc 1

1-3) ‘Il Giustino’ Sinfonia RV 717
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
Allegro [2:24]
Andante [2:34]
Allegro [0:46]

4-6) Violin Concerto in G major *

Johan Joachim Agrell (1701-1767)
Allegro [3:32]
Largo [3:12]
Allegro [2:58]

7-10) Trio Sonata op. 1 no. 4 in a minor

Arcangelo Corelli (1653-1713)
Vivace [1:15]
Adagio [0:59]
Allegro [1:06]
Presto [1:32]

11-13) Sinfonia in A major op. 1 no. 3

Johan Joachim Agrell
Allegro [3:18]
Andante [4:06]
Allegro ma non presto [3:07]

14) Trio Sonata in d minor [6:54]

Alessandro Stradella (1643-1682

15-18) Concerto Grosso op. 5 no. 4

Giuseppe Sammartini (1695 - 1750)
Allegro     [3:01]
Andantino     [1:53]
Allegro moderato    [4:14]
Minuet Gratioso     [2:19]

19-21) Concerto for 2 Violins and Cello in d minor, RV 565

Antonio Vivaldi 
Allegro; Adagio e Spiccato; Allegro     [3:57]
Largo e Spiccato     [2:06]
Allegro     [2:15]

Disc 2

22-25)  Fold (2015)

Finnur Karlsson (1988-)
Prelude     [2:01]
Slow and steady    [2:06]
Pattern     [3:44]
Passacaglia     [3:30]

26) Recitar Cantando/Speaking in Song (2021)     [6:16]

Þráinn Hjálmarsson (1987-)

27) Quorum Sensing (2021)     [11:03]
Bergrún Snæbjörnsdóttir (1987-)

28-29) BRK (2020)

Kristinn Kristinsson (1990-)
I     [7:35]
II     [3:24]

Total time: 1:37:26
Release date: September 9, 2022
UPC: 053479702623

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Quotes & Reviews

“Barokkbandið Brák’s multifaceted artistic vision is the real deal… the players effortlessly shift through mood and character changes, crafting beautifully legato lines over a driving pulse. Transformations in rhythm and texture foreshadow more outside-the-box thinking… contemporary techniques and baroque stylings battle for dominance, captivating the listener as they fade in and out… No longer separate, the styles are learning to coexist — a situation at the core of Barokkbandið Brák’s mission.” - Stephanie Manning, Early Music America

“What is most remarkable about this entire double album is the way in which every piece of music is treated individually, performed at the highest level with convincing interpretations. … Two Sides is a magnificent debut from Barokkbandið Brák that will be a valuable addition to any collection, especially for those who appreciate broad and diverse repertoire within the realm of period performance.” - Matthew Whitfield, The Whole Note

“This is a gripping if curiously conceived album, divided unequally between an entertaining clutch of sinfonias, concertos, and trio sonatas from the High Baroque, and four new works by young Icelandic composers all commissioned by Barokkbandio Brak. … There are no doubts about Barokkbandid Brak's virtuosity or musicality. … Sono Luminus's sound is crystal clear throughout.” - Guy Rickards, Gramophone

“ With so many strings in play, the ensemble's sound is naturally lustrous, something magnificently showcased in the three-part Vivaldi setting… an ever-stimulating presentation, especially when the playing by the group's so breezy and engaging. … some degree of re-acclimation is likely needed for the second's contemporary presentation. The works are particularly interesting for the way they bring the group's baroque sound into a contemporary context. … Two Sides is likely the first time many listeners outside Iceland will have had the chance to hear the group in action. That's certainly one reason to recommend the release, but it's the playing by Barokkbandið Brák that tops the list.” - Ron Schepper, Textura