Iceland’s Folk Music Scene
Iceland’s folk music scene is thriving, with a number of talented musicians keeping the tradition alive. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the best folk musicians in Iceland, as well as the traditional songs and instruments that they use.
Iceland’s musical history
Iceland’s musical history is rich and varied, with influences from both Europe and North America. Icelandic folk music has been passed down through the generations, and is still a huge part of the country’s musical culture. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Icelandic folk music, with a new generation of musicians taking up the tradition.
Traditional Icelandic music
Traditional Icelandic music is strongly religious in nature. Hymns, hymn-like psalms, and various chant-like vocal traditions are the most common genres. Secular music includes dance music, ballads and other types of popular music. Iceland’s traditional musical instruments include the fiddle, strings, flute and accordion.
The best known examples of traditional Icelandic music are the group of hymns known as the Passíusálmar (Passion Hymns), which were written by Haukur Pálsson in 1697. These hymns are still sung today, both in churches and at private gatherings. Traditional Icelandic folk songs often make use of intricate vocal harmonies, called hrynhent or ‘throat-singing’. This is a technique that produces two or more notes simultaneously using different parts of the vocal chords.
Though Iceland has a small population, it has a rich musical tradition that has been kept alive by passionate musicians and listeners alike. In recent years there has been a revival of interest in traditional Icelandic music, with new bands forming and old songs being rediscovered. If you’re interested in hearing some traditional Icelandic music for yourself, there are many great recordings available online and in record stores.
The influence of foreign music
The first recorders and other foreign musicians began visiting Iceland in the 18th century, and by the early 19th century a number of songs had been collected. These manuscripts are now housed in the Árni Magnússon Institute in Reykjavík. In the late 19th century, Icelandic music was influenced by Romanticism and Nationalism, as seen in the works of composers such as Bjarni Þorsteinsson (1837–1921).
In the 20th century, Icelandic music was again influenced by foreign music, particularly being introduced to new styles such as jazz and blues. A number of Icelandic musicians have had successful careers abroad, such as pianist Thorbjörn Ranhofer (1898–1984) and singer/songwriter Björk (b. 1965). The country’s most famous contemporary composer is probably Ólafur Arnalds (b. 1986), who has achieved international recognition for his innovative work combining classical and electronic music.
The folk music scene today
Iceland’s folk music scene is thriving, with new bands and artists emerging all the time. The music is a mix of traditional Icelandic sounds and influences from other countries. Icelandic folk music is known for its unique and beautiful melodies, and its lyrics often tell stories of Icelandic history and culture.
The popularity of folk music
Folk music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, both in Iceland and abroad. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including a growing interest in traditional music and a desire for music that is more authentic and emotive.
Folk music is often seen as being more down-to-earth than other genres, and this can be appealing to listeners who are looking for something that feels real and genuine. With the rise of digital streaming services, it’s easier than ever to discover new folk artists from all over the world, which has also contributed to the genre’s growing popularity.
There are many different subgenres of folk music, so there’s something to suit everyone’s taste. From the upbeat sounds of Irish traditional music to the plaintive melodies of Nordic folk songs, there’s a wealth of richness and diversity to be found within the genre.
If you’re interested in exploring folk music from Iceland, or from any other country, you’ll be sure to find plenty of great artists to enjoy.
The resurgence of traditional Icelandic music
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of traditional Icelandic music. This has been due in part to the popularity of the TV show, “Game of Thrones,” which has featured Icelandic musicians playing the ancient Viking music.
Iceland is rich in musical history, and the revival of traditional music is a way for the country to connect with its past. Icelanders are very proud of their musical heritage, and the Icelandic government has even made it a priority to promote the music scene.
The resurgence of traditional Icelandic music has had a positive impact on the country’s economy. Many tourists are now coming to Iceland specifically to experience the music scene. This has led to an increase in business for hotels, restaurants, and other businesses that cater to tourists.
The future of Icelandic music is bright, and it is likely that the popularity of traditional music will continue to grow.
The future of Icelandic music
Icelandic music has been through a lot of changes in the last few years. The Icelandic music scene is very vibrant and there are a lot of talented musicians. The future of Icelandic music is very exciting and there are a lot of talented musicians who are making great music.
The continued popularity of folk music
In recent years, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of folk music in Iceland. This is partly due to the success of Icelandic musicians such as Of Monsters and Men and Ásgeir Trausti, who have brought the genre to a wider audience.
However, it is also due to the fact that more and more people are rediscovering the traditional music of Iceland. This music has been passed down from generation to generation, and is now being enjoyed by a new generation of Icelandic music lovers.
There are many reasons why folk music is so popular in Iceland. One of the most important reasons is that it is a way for people to connect with their heritage. For many Icelanders, folk music is a way to feel closer to their ancestors and to the land that they come from.
Folk music is also popular because it is very versatile. It can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and it can be played in a variety of settings. Folk music can be upbeat and lively, or it can be slow and meditative. It can be performed on traditional Icelandic instruments, or on more modern instruments such as guitars and keyboards.
Whatever your taste in music, you are sure to find something to enjoy in Icelandic folk music. So why not give it a try? You might just fall in love with this unique and beautiful genre of music.
The continued resurgence of traditional Icelandic music
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional Icelandic music, with young people particularly keen to learn the old songs and dances. This has coincided with a growing interest in all things Iceland, as the country’s unique culture and natural beauty have been showcased to the world through books, films and TV programmes such as Game of Thrones.
The Icelandic music scene is diverse and exciting, with a number of different genres being represented. Traditional Icelandic music is perhaps the best known, with bands such as Skálmöld and Heima regularly performing at festivals around the world. However, there is also a thriving folk music scene, with groups such as Stefán Örn Gunnlaugsson Trio and Hatari bringing their own unique sound to the genre.
As Iceland continues to grow in popularity as a tourist destination, it is likely that its music scene will continue to go from strength to strength. With more people interested in learning about Icelandic culture and wanting to experience it for themselves, traditional music is sure to enjoy a continued renaissance in the coming years.
