The Best of Norway’s Folk Music
![](https://i4.ytimg.com/vi/DH3vi7Av5Vs/sddefault.jpg)
Contents
If you’re a fan of folk music, then you’ll want to check out this blog post about the best of Norway’s folk music. From traditional ballads to more modern tunes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
What is folk music?
Folk music is a type of traditional music that is typically passed down from generation to generation within a community, and it often has a strong connection to theculture, history, and values of its region. Folk music can take many different forms, including ballads, dances, and instrumental pieces, and it often reflects the local area in which it was created. In Norway, folk music has been an important part of the country’s culture for centuries, and it continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages today.
The history of folk music in Norway
Folk music in Norway has its roots in the music of the country’s earliest people. It was originally passed down orally, from one generation to the next, and was only later written down. Because of this, many of Norway’s folk songs are very old. In fact, some of them are so old that we don’t even know who wrote them!
Folk music was an important part of everyday life in Norway for centuries. It was sung at weddings and funerals, and played at dances and other gatherings. It was also used to tell stories and teach lessons.
Today, Norwegian folk music is still popular, both in Norway and abroad. Many traditional folk songs have been modernized and are now performed by pop,rock,and jazz musicians. But there are also many people who still play and sing folk music in the traditional way.
The different types of folk music in Norway
Norway has a rich and thriving folk music scene, with different styles of music being enjoyed in different parts of the country. Here are some of the different types of folk music you can enjoy in Norway:
Jazz: Norway has a long tradition of jazz, dating back to the early 20th century. The Norwegian Jazz Federation was founded in 1938, and since then the genre has flourished. Today, you can find jazz clubs all over Norway, playing everything from traditional swing to contemporary fusion.
Blues: Another popular genre of Norwegian folk music is blues. Influenced by American and British blues musicians, Norwegian blues bands have been playing their own brand of the genre since the 1950s. Blues clubs can be found in most major Norwegian cities, and the annual Bergen Blues Festival is one of the biggest events on the Norwegian music calendar.
Country: Country music is also popular in Norway, particularly in the north of the country. Bands like D-A-D and Sweethearts Of The Rodeo have been bringing their own brand of country-influenced rock to Norwegian audiences for decades, and today there are several dedicated country music festivals held in Norway each year.
Folk: Of course, no discussion of Norwegian music would be complete without mentioning folk music. This traditional style of music is still very popular in Norway today, with a number of Folk festivals being held each year. If you want to hear some traditional Norwegian folk music, make sure to check out one of these festivals!
The instruments used in folk music
Norway has a rich tradition of folk music, which has been passed down from generation to generation. The music is often used to tell stories and express the emotions of the people. The instruments used in folk music include the Hardanger fiddle, accordion, guitar, and piano.
The best of Norway’s folk music
Norway is a land that is rich in culture and history, and its music is no exception. Norwegian folk music is some of the most beautiful and haunting music in the world. If you’re a fan of folk music, then you’ll definitely want to check out some of the best Norwegian folk music. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best Norwegian folk music.
The Hardanger fiddle
The Hardanger fiddle is a traditional stringed instrument used in the folk music of Norway. The instrument is unique in that it has four strings, which are tuned in fifths. The fiddle is named after the Hardanger region of Norway, where it originated.
The Hardanger fiddle has a very distinctive sound, which is often described as “reedy” or “brassy.” The instrument is often used in solo performances, as well as in ensembles. The most typical ensemble groupings are duets and trios, although larger groups are not uncommon.
The music played on the Hardanger fiddle is typically very upbeat and lively. Dances such as the polka and waltz are common, as well as more energetic folk tunes. The music often features a wide range of dynamics, from quiet and delicate passages to loud and raucous sections.
Norway’s folk music is an important part of the country’s cultural heritage, and the Hardanger fiddle occupies a special place within that tradition. If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating instrument, be sure to check out some of the best recordings of Norwegian folk music featuring the Hardanger fiddle.
The joik
The joik is a type of chant, or song, traditionally sung by the Sami people of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Joiks are usually about specific people or animals, and they often tell stories. Joiks can be happy or sad, but they always have a feeling of great joy or great sorrow.
The best known joik is the “Odlga roamna,” which was written by Nils Aslak Valkeapää, a Sami musician and artist.
The langeleik
The langeleik is a Traditional Norwegian stringed instrument. It is played with a bow, and has a fretted fingerboard. The langeleik has a very distinctive sound, and is an important part of Norwegian folk music.
The instrument is believed to have originated in the 12th century, and was first mentioned in a 13th century Norwegian manuscript. The langeleik was originally used for playing dance music, but eventually became popular for playing ballads and other types of folk music.
The langeleik continued to be popular throughout the centuries, and was played by some of the most famous Norwegian musicians, including Ole Bull, Edvard Grieg, and Halfdan Kjerulf. Today, the langeleik is still played by folk musicians all over Norway.