Discover Swedish Folk Music

Swedish folk music is a genre of music that has been around for centuries. It is a beautiful and unique form of music that is worth discovering.

Introduction

Folk music is the music of the people. It is passed down from generation to generation, and often tells the story of a particular place or time.

Sweden has a long and rich history of folk music, dating back hundreds of years. Today, Swedish folk music is enjoyed by people all over the world. If you’re interested in discovering Swedish folk music, there are a few different ways to go about it.

One way to discover Swedish folk music is to attend a live concert or performance. There are often folk music events taking place in cities across Sweden. Another option is to listen to Swedish folk music online or on the radio. If you’re looking for something more interactive, consider taking part in a folk dancing event or workshop.

No matter how you choose to discover Swedish folk music, you’re sure to enjoy the experience!

What is Swedish Folk Music?

Swedish folk music is the traditional music of Sweden. The definition of Swedish folk music is, however, far from simple. Depending on which criteria are used, different tunes can be included or excluded. Genres that might be included are for example dances, work songs, ballads, lullabies and hymns.

Swedish folk music has been influenced by a wide variety of traditions and musical styles from other countries. One example is the Nordic polska which today is considered an integral part of Swedish folk music, but which has its roots in the Polish dance music of the 17th century. In some cases, such as with the multitasking nyckelharpa, foreign influence has even led to the creation of entirely new instruments.

Over the centuries Swedish folk music has undergone several major changes. In the early Middle Ages much of Sweden’s folk music was lost as writing became less common and monks started to record liturgical music instead. What remained were a few certain types of songs with known composers or melodies that were very difficult to sing without a good knowledge of how they were supposed to sound. Luckily many manuscripts with Swedish medieval songs have survived into our time and today there are a number of people working hard to keep this fragile heritage alive.

During the Renaissance (roughly 1500-1650) polyphony – multiple melodies played at the same time – became increasingly popular in Europe and also made its way into Swedish folk music. This was also a time when professional musicians started touring Sweden and some Swedes even travelled abroad to study music. As a result new instruments were introduced and foreign influences began to shape Swedish folk music even more.

The Origins of Swedish Folk Music

Swedish folk music has its roots in the music of the Swedish people, who are descended from the Sami, Finns, Germans, Latvians, and Estonians. The first Swedish folk music was transmitted orally from generation to generation. The earliest written record of Swedish folk music dates from the 13th century, when King Magnus Ladulås (1240–1290) ordered a collection of folk songs to be written down.

During the 16th century, Sweden was divided into a number of small states. This led to a great deal of regional variation in Swedish folk music. In the 18th century, supply and demand led to a growth in the popularity of folk music, and composers such as Carl Michael Bellman (1740–1795) and Pehr Henrik Nordgren (1944–2008) wrote works based on traditional Swedish folk tunes.

The 19th century saw a decline in interest in Swedish folk music, but there was a revival in the early 20th century led by composers such as Hugo Alfvén (1872–1960) and Wilhelm Peterson-Berger (1867–1942). In recent years there has been something of a renaissance in Swedish folk music, with bands such as Dolores Keane & Carl Emrys taking traditional songs and giving them a new lease on life.

The Instruments of Swedish Folk Music

Music has always been an important part of Swedish culture, and Sweden has a long history of folk music. The oldest instruments used in Swedish folk music are the fiddle and the nyckelharpa.

The fiddle is a stringed instrument that is played with a bow. It is used in many different types of music, including classical, jazz, and folk music. The nyckelharpa is a traditional Swedish instrument that has been played for centuries. It is a type of keyed fiddle that has a curved body and two rows of keys that are plucked with the fingers.

Other popular instruments used in Swedish folk music include the accordion, the mandolin, and the guitar. The accordion is a portable keyboard instrument that is played by pressing down on the keys with one hand while simultaneously pressing down on the bellows with the other hand. The mandolin is a small, stringed instrument that is similar to the violin or fiddle. It has a pear-shaped body and four strings that are plucked with the fingers. The guitar is a six-stringed instrument that is played by strumming or plucking the strings with the fingers or a pick.

Swedish folk music often features vocal harmony, as well as instrumental solos. The vocals are usually sung in Swedish, but occasionally other languages, such as Finnish or Sami, may be used. Folk songs often tell stories about love, loss, and nature, and they are often passed down from generation to generation.

The Styles of Swedish Folk Music

Sweden’s long and varied history has resulted in a diverse collection of traditional folk music. Many of the country’s regions have their own distinct styles and instruments, which have been passed down through the generations.

Swedish folk music can be divided into two main categories: vocal and instrumental. Vocal music includes singing in solo or group settings, often accompanied by instruments. Instrumental music includes dance tunes played on fiddles, nyckelharpas, accordions, and other traditional Swedish instruments.

There are many different styles of Swedish folk music, each with its own unique history and characteristics. Some of the most popular styles include:

polskor: A type of polska (a Finnish or Swedish dance tune) played on the fiddle. Polskor vary in tempo and style depending on the region they come from.
schottis: A type of polska typically played in 4/4 time on the accordion or fiddle. Schottis originated in the Stockholm area in the early 19th century.
waltzes: A type of 3/4 time dance tune typically played on the fiddle or nyckelharpa. Waltzes originated in Germany but became popular in Sweden in the 19th century.
mazurkas: A type of Polish dance tune typically played in 3/4 time on the fiddle or accordion. Mazurkas became popular in Sweden in the late 19th century.
hambo: A type of 2/4 time dance tune typically played on the fiddle or accordion. Hambo originated in Finland but became popular in Sweden in the 18th century.

The Lyrics of Swedish Folk Music

Folk music has been a part of Swedish culture for centuries, and though it has undergone many changes over the years, it remains an important part of the country’s musical heritage. Folk songs deal with a variety of topics, from love and loss to work and nature, and they often reflect the regional or local character of the people who sing them. Many of these songs are centuries old, and some are even thought to date back to the Viking era.

While some folk songs are specific to certain regions or groups of people, others are more widely known and popular. Some of the most famous Swedish folk songs include “ Dalahäst ” (The Dala Horse), “ Jag är så glad ” (I Am So Happy), “ Junibacken ” (June Hill), and “ Vår vackra lilla ängel ” (Our Beautiful Little Angel). These songs are often sung at public events or during festivities, and they continue to be enjoyed by both young and old.

If you’re interested in learning more about Swedish folk music, there are a number of resources available online and in libraries. You can also purchase CDs or DVDs of folk music from Sweden, which is a great way to support local musicians.

The Popularity of Swedish Folk Music

Swedish folk music is a type of North Germanic music that includes ballads, laments, polska, and other forms of folklore from the Swedish countryside. It has remained popular throughout the centuries, both as oral tradition and in written form, and continues to be performed today by both professional and amateur musicians.

The popularity of Swedish folk music can be attributed to its varied forms and expressions. The ballads, for instance, are often based on historical events or legends, while the laments reflect personal experiences of sorrow or loss. Polska music, on the other hand, is lively and upbeat, making it perfect for dancing.

Swedish folk music has also been influenced by other genres over the years. For example, American country music and bluegrass have had an impact on some Swedish folk musicians. Similarly, rock and roll and punk rock have also influenced Swedish folk music in recent years.

Despite these influences from other genres, Swedish folk music has remained true to its roots. It continues to be a popular genre of music in Sweden, both among performers and listeners alike.

The Future of Swedish Folk Music

Swedish folk music is a genre of music that is typically characterized by rural themes and influences from the natural world. It often has a strong emotional appeal and is often based on traditional Swedish melodies. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Swedish folk music, with many young people rediscovering the genre and finding new ways to interpret it.

There are a number of different subgenres of Swedish folk music, each with its own distinct sound and style. The most commonly-played subgenres include polska, waltz, polskott and schottis. Polska is the most energetic and fast-paced of these subgenres, while waltz is more lyrical and romantic. Polskott is a type of polska that is played on a accordion, while schottis is more rhythmically complex and often features improvisation.

Swedish folk music has been influenced by a wide range of other genres over the years, including classical music, jazz, rock, and pop. This has helped to create a rich and diverse musical tradition that continues to evolve today. As the popularity of Swedish folk music continues to grow, it is likely that we will see even more innovative and exciting interpretations of this genre in the future.