European Folk Music with a Viking Twist

Looking for something different in your music listening? Check out our European folk music with a Viking twist! You’ll love the unique sound of our traditional instruments combined with modern influences.

Introducing Nordic Folk Music

Nordic folk music takes the best of Scandinavian and Celtic music and combines it with a modern twist. The results are beautiful, soaring melodies that will stay with you long after the song is over. You’ll find yourself tapping your toes and humming along, even if you don’t understand the words.

What is Nordic Folk Music?

Nordic folk music is a genre of music that is indigenous to the Nordic countries. This type of music is often characterized by its use of folk instruments such as the fiddle, accordion, and accordina. It typically has a strong beat and is often used for dancing. Nordic folk music has its roots in the music of the countries that make up Scandinavia, which includes Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and Finland. This style of music has been around for centuries and was originally used for storytelling and entertainment purposes.

Over time, Nordic folk music has evolved and taken on different forms. Today, it is enjoyed by people all over the world who appreciate its unique sound. If you’re looking to add something new and exciting to your musical repertoire, Nordic folk music is a great option.

Where did Nordic Folk Music originate?

Nordic folk music is a genre that developed in the Nordic countries of Europe (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and Finland). It is characterized by its use of traditional instruments and styles, as well as its focus on the unique melodies and harmonies of the region.

Nordic folk music has its roots in the music of the Viking Age, when the people of Scandinavia were known for their skill in shipbuilding and navigation. Their music was highly influenced by the cultures they came into contact with, including Celtic and Germanic traditions.

Over time, Nordic folk music developed into its own distinctive genre, with a focus on using traditional instruments to create beautiful melodies. These days, it is enjoyed by people all over the world who appreciate its unique sound.

The Instruments of Nordic Folk Music

The Hardanger fiddle, or hardingfele, is a traditional fiddle from Norway. It is unique in that it has eight or nine strings, with four or five of them being tuned to the same note. This gives the fiddle a distinctive, ethereal sound that is perfect for Nordic folk music. The hardingfele is often accompanied by the accordion, which provides a steady beat.

The Hardanger fiddle

The Hardanger fiddle is a traditional Scandinavian stringed instrument. It gets its name from the Hardanger region of Norway, where it has been played for centuries. The Hardanger fiddle is similar to the violin, but it has eight strings instead of four and a shorter, narrower body. It is usually played with a bow, but can also be plucked or strummed.

The Hardanger fiddle is most commonly used in Norwegian folk music, but it is also popular in Swedish and Danish folk music. The instrument has a distinctive, haunting sound that has made it popular among folk music fans around the world.

The Nyckelharpa

The nyckelharpa is a string instrument with key-actuated strings and a bow, used primarily in the music of Sweden and Finland. It may have originated in the Nordic countries as early as the 13th century, though there are no concrete records of its existence until the early 16th century. The first known illustrations of the instrument date to the mid-16th century, and by the 17th century it was fairly common in Sweden. It remained a popular folk instrument through the 18th and 19th centuries, but by the early 20th century it had largely fallen out of use. In recent years there has been a renewed interest in traditional Nordic music, and the nyckelharpa has experienced something of a resurgence.

The nyckelharpa is played with a bow in one hand and keys held in the other. The keys are struck with the thumb or forefinger to produce a note, while the other fingers are used to hold down one or more strings to change the pitch. The resulting sound is similar to that of a fiddle or violin, although some modern players have experimented with alternate techniques to produce a wider range of sounds.

The nyckelharpa has been described as “an angry fiddle” due to its ability to produce a range of harsh, shrieking tones. This effect is achieved by bowing multiple strings at once, which produces a discordant sound similar to that of brass instruments. Some players also use harmonics (lightly touching certain strings at specific points) to create ethereal, high-pitched sounds.

The unique sound of the nyckelharpa has made it sought-after by musicians from all over the world, and it has featured prominently in Swedish black metal and folk metal bands such as Bathory and Finntroll. If you’re looking for something different from your usual folk music fare, give Nordic folk metal a try!

The Swedish bagpipes

The Swedish bagpipes, or “säckpipa,” is a type of folk instrument that is most commonly found in the Nordic countries. It is a wind instrument that is played by blowing into a bag, which forces air through a reed pipe. The Swedish bagpipes are very similar to other types of European folk music instruments, such as the Scottish Great Highland Bagpipe and the Irish uilleann pipes.

The Swedish bagpipes have a long history, and they are thought to have originated in the Middle Ages. These instruments were traditionally used for dancing and for playing popular folk tunes. Today, the Swedish bagpipes are still used for folk music, but they are also played in orchestras and bands.

If you’re interested in trying out this unique instrument, you can check out our guide on how to play the Swedish bagpipes.

The Sounds of Nordic Folk Music

Nordic folk music is a genre of music originating in the Nordic countries of Northern Europe. Nordic folk music has its roots in the music of the Viking Age. The music of the Viking Age was a mix of Germanic, Celtic, and Scandinavian traditions. In the centuries since the Viking Age, Nordic folk music has been influenced by other genres, such as classical and rock music.

The polska

The polska is a traditional dance of Scandinavia, which means “Polish dance”. It is perhaps the most common type of folk dance in Scandinavia, and is danced to music in 2/4 or 4/4 time.

The polska originated in the 16th century as a result of the cultural exchange between Scandinavia and Poland. It was brought to Scandinavia by Polish mercenaries who were hired by Denmark during the Northern Seven Years’ War (1563-1570). The earliest known documentation of the polska in Scandinavia dates back to 1577, when it was mentioned in a Danish ballad.

The polska quickly became a popular dance among the peasantry and was soon adopted by the upper classes as well. It spread throughout Scandinavia, and also became popular in Finland, which was then a part of Sweden.

Today, the polska is still danced at traditional folk dances and festivals in Scandinavia. It is usually danced in a line or circle, with couples holding hands. The dance can be lively or slow, depending on the tempo of the music.

The waltz

The waltz is a dance that most people are familiar with, even if they don’t know the name. It is usually danced to music in 3/4 time and has a characteristic “oompah, oompah” sound. The Nordic countries have their own version of the waltz, which is sometimes called the “Viking Waltz.” It is danced to music in 4/4 time and has a more driving sound, with lots of energy and movement.

The mazurka

The mazurka is a traditional Polish folk dance that dates back to the 16th century. It is usually danced in threes or fours and features a distinctive hop-step. The mazurka became popular in Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries, and was eventually adopted by Nordic countries such as Sweden and Norway. In Nordic folk music, the mazurka is often combined with other dances such as the polska and waltz to create a unique sound.

Nordic Folk Music Today

Nordic folk music has been around for centuries, but it has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. This type of music is known for its unique blend of traditional folk instruments and styles with a modern twist. Nordic folk music is also known for its use of nature sounds and environmental recordings, which give it a unique soundscape.

The new wave of Nordic Folk Music

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Nordic folk music. This is largely due to the work of a new generation of artists who are bringing a fresh perspective to the genre.

One of the most prominent figures in this movement is Icelandic singer and songwriter Ásgeir Trausti. His debut album, In the Shadow of the Mountain, was a critical and commercial success, garnering praise for its innovative blend of folk and pop elements.

Other artists who are helping to shape the sound of Nordic folk music today include Danish duo Ligaard, Norwegian singer-songwriter Ane Brun, and Swedish band Haas. These artists are all helping to create a new sound for Nordic folk music that is both modern and rooted in tradition.

The popularity of Nordic Folk Music

European folk music has been enjoying a resurgence in popularity in recent years, and Nordic folk music is at the forefront of this movement. With its roots in the traditional music of Scandinavia, Nordic folk music has been given a modern twist by contemporary artists.

Nordic folk music often features traditional instruments such as the fiddle, accordion, and Nyckelharpa (a Swedish keyed fiddle), as well as more modern instrumentation such as electric guitars and drum kits. The result is a unique sound that is both grounded in tradition and fresh.

Nordic folk music often has a distinctly ‘Viking’ feel to it, drawing on the rich history and mythology of Scandinavia. This gives the music an added sense of adventure and exploration, which has proved popular with listeners around the world.

If you’re looking for something new to listen to, why not give Nordic folk music a try? You might be surprised by how much you enjoy it!