Search - Tveitt, Bergset, Ruud :: Hardanger Fiddle Concertos

Spectacular

Russ | Richmond, VA | 08/26/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you are on the lookout for exciting and distinctive orchestral works, it does not get much better than this. This release is spectacular! If you are unfamiliar with Geirr Tveitt (1908-1981) - he was a Norwegian composer of vibrant orchestral works; most notably the "A Hundred Hardanger Tunes" suites. His works, heavily influenced by Norwegian folk music, are primarily modal, with heavy use of the Lydian mode, which is distinctive for its raised fourth. Tveitt's compositions are filled with charming, brilliantly orchestrated, melodies. Regrettably, most of Tveitt's compositions were lost when his farmhouse was destroyed by a fire in 1970.



The present release contains Tveitt's two Hardanger fiddle concertos. The fiddle takes its name from a region of Norway and is unique for its four lower (sympathetic) strings in addition to the standard upper strings. The sympathetic strings are not played by the bow but provide additional resonance when the upper strings are played. The first concerto is filled with lively dance rhythms and contains a haunting central movement. The finale is exceptional and contains one of the best whirlwind conclusions in all of classical music. In addition to the great melodies employed by Tveitt, the colorful orchestration should be specifically mentioned. It seems as though each section of the orchestra has a moment in the spotlight. The second concerto is known as the "Three Fjords" concerto as each movement is intended to be a representation of a specific Norwegian fjord. I particularly like the exuberant "Nordfjord" movement with its dazzling fiddle part.



The program concludes with a symphonic painting called Nykken. The story on which the music is based concerns a white horse that rises from a black pond. The horse allows itself to be caught by a boy. The boy mounts the horse, which begins to trot slowly, but the slow trot turns into a wild gallop. At the conclusion, the horse jumps into the black pond with the boy still mounted, taking him to the depths. Again, this is a highly imaginative piece filled with colorful orchestration and memorable melodies. The musical depiction of the horse ride is easy to follow and is quite thrilling.



The Stavanger Symphony Orchestra under Ole Kristian Ruud does an excellent job here. The sonics are up to BIS' very high standard, as well. This is great music and is well-worth exploring. This release, as well as the other Tveitt releases on Naxos and BIS, has my highest and most enthusiastic recommendation!!



65:18"

A new classic for fantastic music listeners

Extollager | Mayville, ND United States | 03/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nykken is a scrumptious symphonic poem, worthy to take a place with works such as Sibelius's Pohjola's Daughter, Hovhaness's Mysterious Mountain, Mussorgsky's Night on the Bare Mountain, et al. That is, it belongs in the canon of musical compositions that evoke not just a mood correlative to literary fantasy, but that also convey or suggest a fantastic narrative. My impression is that a lot of recent musical efforts in this vein have a Celtic (or "Celtic") quality. Nykken comes from chillier Northern spaces. The cello concertos are also very enjoyable."