Search - Artists from the Heilo catalogue :: Nordisk Sang

A FASCINATING PRIMER OF TRADITIONAL NORDIC MUSIC

Larry L. Looney | Austin, Texas USA | 11/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is quite simply a great compilation, recorded mostly between 1977-1988, with two tracks from 1957. All but one of the pieces are traditional, some vocal and some instrumental. They are not over-arranged -- most are solos or duets. They are presented in a fairly straightforward manner, but are filled with life and energy. Ale Moller is heard on a couple of tracks (see also his incredibly beautiful work with Lena Willemark), and there are a number of fine examples of Nordic fiddling -- a style you will never forget once you hear it.Of particular note on this recording is the beauty of the vocals, by Pernille Anker and Kirsten Braten Berg. Their voices are lovely instruments, powerful and emotive.The curious listener is also encouraged to explore the recordings of Lena Willemark and Ale Moller, as well as the unique treatments of medieval Norwegian song found on Jan Garbarek's recording with vocalist Agnes Buen Garnas, ROSENSFOLE (look it up on Amazon by the title ROSENFOLE to check out some samples).There's a beautiful world awaiting the listener in the music of Scandinavia -- this disc is a great starting place."

Time Travel Experience Into Norwegian Folk Music

Pat Mitchell | Larkspur, CA United States | 06/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For a time travel journey into Norwegian folk music, pick up a copy of Nordisk Sang - Music of Norway. These recordings combine musical artists from much of the twentieth century into one collection, sometimes within the same song. Hardingfele (Hardanger fiddle) player Hans Brimi, in his sixties at the time of these recordings, accompanies the much-younger Pernille Anker on two numbers including Blaa Tonar Fra Lum (Blue Notes From Lum). Other fiddlers include Torleiv Bolstad, Hallvard T. Bjoergum and Gunnar Stubseid. Bolstad who never recorded music until two years before his death in 1979 especially dazzles on Svein I Sy' Garde. Kirsten Braaten-Berg, who is still very much alive today playing at folk music festivals and releasing recordings, makes seven appearances on this 19-cut album, the most of any artist. Her material is relatively diverse for the genre, but her voice shines most brightly on Heiemo Og Nykkjen with only a light synthesizer played by Ale Moeller as backup. Seljefloeyte (willow flute) is played by the late Eivind Groven and by Steinar Ofsdal, later of Bukkene Bruse fame. There are a fair handful of collection albums of Norwegian folk music available. This one stands out because it was recorded earlier than most of them, between 1977 and 1988, and because it includes artists who had little or no opportunity for commercial success in their time, but may now with the emergence of Norwegian folk music into the international music scene."

Surprise yourself

Larry L. Looney | 08/29/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't know why I originally ordered this CD (remaindered from -- dare I say it -- Daedelus), but something in their compelling description made me do it. I'm not disappointed. Every time I listen to this CD (it's permanently in the changer), I like it more. I don't get tired of it. It's foreign and familiar. Haunting and comforting. Very beautiful. I'm not an expert, so I can't give reasons, but if you love music -- the music of the human soul/mind -- I suspect you'll enjoy this. It's worth the risk."