Iceland’s folk stories are shaped by the island’s harsh climate and dark winters. The rugged landscapes provide the backdrop for the tales and myths, often featuring fantastic creatures such as trolls and elves, that have been passed down from generation to generation. However, the story on which the Icelandic lullaby “Sofðu unga ástin mín” is based actually happened in the mid18th century. The events inspired Johann Sigurjonsson to write his play “BjærgEyvind og hans hustru” (MountainEyvind and his Wife) from 1911. This is the story of FjallaEyvindur, an Icelander found guilty of theft, who, together with his wife Halla, flees into Iceland’s mountain regions. Legend says that the couple survived for 20 years in the wilderness. In Sigurjonsson’s play, Halla sings the lullaby taken up by Elisabeth Fußeder before flinging her child into a waterfall to keep it out of the hands of her pursuers. The young composer has already won numerous prizes for her music. With its intensity and sensitive treatment of the lullaby text, “Sofðu unga ástin mín” is a captivating work. In addition to sung words and sounds, Fußeder uses other vocal techniques such as speaking, whispering, audible breathing, whistling and shouting. To make the piece more accessible to ambitious amateur choirs, the composer has created a reduced, less challenging version (Carus 9.310/50; SATB, choral speaking, narrator).