Swedish Folk Music: An Instrumental Celebration

If you are a fan of Swedish Folk Music, then you will definitely enjoy this instrumental celebration. This type of music is perfect for any occasion.

Introduction to Swedish Folk Music

Swedish folk music is the music of the Swedish people, which has been traded and preserved across Scandinavia and the world. Swedish folk music includes a wide variety of styles and instruments, including polska, waltz, schottis, jojk (a type of shamanic singing), ballad, fiddle tunes and more.

The roots of Swedish folk music can be traced back to the Viking era, when Scandinavians would sail across the Baltic Sea to trade goods and culture with other European countries. During this time, the Swedish people developed their own unique musical traditions. By the Middle Ages, Swedish folk music had undergone a transition from being primarily functional (used for work or dance) to being more artistic. This transition can be seen in the development of the Swedish ballad form, which reached its peak in popularity during the 18th century.

Today, Swedish folk music is enjoyed both within Sweden and around the world. There are many different ways to experience this genre of music, from attending a local concert or festival to listening to recordings at home. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, Swedish folk music is sure to provide a rich and rewarding experience.

The Instruments of Swedish Folk Music

Swedish folk music is a genre of music that is typically played on acoustic instruments. The most common instruments used in Swedish folk music are the fiddle, accordion, and nyckelharpa. Let’s take a closer look at each of these instruments.

The Fiddle

The fiddle is perhaps the best-known instrument in Swedish folk music. It’s a string instrument that is played with a bow, and it has a distinctive, high-pitched sound. The fiddle is used in many different styles of music, including polskas, waltzes, and other types of dance music.

There are many different types of fiddles, and each one has its own unique sound. The most common type of fiddle in Swedish folk music is the Hardanger fiddle, which has a trapezoid-shaped body and eight or more strings (four of which are played with the bow). Other types of fiddles include the nyckelharpa (a keyed fiddle), the viola d’amore (a bowed string instrument with sympathetic strings), and the lute (a plucked string instrument).

The Hardanger fiddle is the most popular type of fiddle in Sweden, and it’s often used in traditional folk music. The instrument has a very distinctive sound, and it’s often used to play polskas (a type of fast-paced dance music) and waltzes. The Hardanger fiddle is also sometimes used in more modern styles of music, such as jazz and rock.

The nyckelharpa is another popular type of Swedish folk instrument. It’s a keyed fiddle that has a unique sound, and it’s often used to play slow, melancholy tunes. The nyckelharpa is also sometimes used in more modern styles of music, such as jazz and rock.

The viola d’amore is a bowed string instrument with sympathetic strings. It’s not as common as the other types of fiddles, but it does have a very beautiful sound. The viola d’amore is often used to play slow, mournful tunes.

The lute is a plucked string instrument that was once very popular in Sweden (and other parts of Europe). It fell out of favor in the 20th century but has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years. The lute has a very mellow sound, and it’s often used to play slow, peaceful tunes.

The Nyckelharpa

The Nyckelharpa is a Swedish traditional musical instrument. It is an important part of Swedish folk music. The word “nyckel” means “key” and “harpa” means “harp”. The Nyckelharpa has 16 strings, all of which are tuned in fourths. There are also 37 keys that the player uses to hold down the strings. The Nyckelharpa is played with a bow, and it can be used to play a variety of different musical styles.

The Bagpipes

The bagpipes are a type of reed pipe, which means that they produce sound when air is forced through reeds. The traditional Swedish bagpipe, called the säckpipa, has two chanters, each with its own separate reed. One reed sounds a constant note while the other plays the melody.

The säckpipa is usually made from ash wood and cow horn. It is often decorated with carving, painting, or metalwork. The instrument is held under the arm and supported by a strap around the neck. The player blows into a leather bag that supplies air to the pipes. The bag is squeezed with the hand to control the flow of air.

The säckpipa has a range of about two octaves and can be played either solo or in an ensemble. It is most commonly used for dance music, but it can also be used for slow airs and marches.

The Accordion

The accordion is a portable free-reed wind instrument of the bellows-driven air pump type, colloquially known as a squeezebox. A person who plays the accordion is called an accordionist. The concertina and bandoneón are related; the harmonium and American reed organ are in the same family.

Accordions are played by compressing or expanding the bellows while pressing buttons or keys, causing pallets to open, which allow air to flow across strips of brass or steel, making them vibrate. Vibrating reeds in the upper manual produce vibrato. If smaller and more fragile than piano reeds, these are also older and more traditional. The Compact Cassette was based on technology that arose from work on automatic piano players and tracking systems for control of aircraft anti-aircraft guns during World War II, mostly by German inventors.

The accordion is widely distributed across the world, being popular in many countries, including Argentina (especially in Patagonia), Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Chile, Colombia (especially in Tolima), Ecuador (especially in Esmeraldas), Germany (especially in Bavaria and North Germany), Greece (especially on Crete), Guatemala, Italy (especially in Piedmont), Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Mexico (especially Norteño music), Nepal (especially Jyapu music), Paraguay (especially Guaraní music), Peru (especially Cajamarca music), Poland,[4] Portugal (particularly Azoreanwith unique regional variations such as Orquestra de concertinas da Terra Chã[5]), Romania,[6] Russia,[7][8] Saudi Arabia,[9] Serbia,[10] Slovenia,[11][12][13] Spain[14][15] Switzerland(particularly Basel where it is called Cläärisch[16]), Ukraine,[17] Uruguay and Uzbekistan.

The Hammered Dulcimer

The hammered dulcimer (säckpipa in Swedish) is a percussion instrument that has a long history in folk music. It’s believed to have originated in Persia and made its way to Europe via the Crusades. The Swedish word säck means “bag,” and pipa refers to the bellows that pump air into the instrument.

The dulcimer is played with two light wooden hammers, one in each hand. The player strikes the strings with the hammer, then dampens them with the padded part of the hammer head to produce a mellow tone. The dulcimer can be played solo or in an ensemble, and it’s often used to provide accompaniment for singing.

The History of Swedish Folk Music

Swedish folk music has a long and storied history, dating back to the 12th century. It has been shaped and influenced by a variety of factors over the years, from the country’s geography and climate to its political and social history. Today, Swedish folk music is enjoyed by people all over the world.

The Early History

The history of Swedish folk music can be traced back to the Viking era, when the Scandinavians first began to settle in Sweden. The earliest known Swedish folk song, “Vikingarnas Drapa,” dates back to the 10th century. This song was written by King Olaf II of Norway and tells the story of a battle between the Vikings and the Swedes.

During the Middle Ages, Swedish folk music was influenced by German and French music. By the 1500s, a new style of music called krumhornspel, or “crumhorn playing,” had emerged. This style was characterized by its use of brass instruments, such as the crumhorn (a type of horn), and was popular among the upper class.

In the 1600s, a new wave of immigration brought musicians from other parts of Europe to Sweden. These musicians brought with them new styles and instruments, which helped to shape Swedish folk music further. One of the most significant changes that occurred during this time was the introduction of the fiddle. The fiddle quickly became one of the most important instruments in Swedish folk music and is still widely used today.

During the 1700s and 1800s, many changes took place in Swedish society that would have a profound impact on folk music. The industrial revolution led to a decline in traditional agriculture, which forced many people to move from rural areas to cities in search of work. This urbanization resulted in a decline in interest in folk music among city dwellers. However, there was a resurgence of interest in folk music among rural Swedes who were looking for ways to preserve their traditions in an increasingly modern world.

The 20th century saw another decline in interest in folk music, due largely to World War I and World War II. However, after both wars ended, there was once again a renewed interest in traditional Swedish culture, including folk music. This revival led to the formation of several important organizations dedicated to preserving and promoting Swedish folk music, such as Svensk Folkmusikförening (the Swedish Folk Music Association) and Riksföreningen för Svensk Folkmusik (the National Association for Swedish Folk Music). These organizations helped spearhead a renewed interest in Swedish folk music that continues to this day.

The Modern Era

During the modern era, Swedish folk music experienced something of a revival. In the early twentieth century, many scholars and collectors became interested in the regional music of Sweden and began to collect and record songs from all over the country. This resulted in a greater understanding and appreciation for the diversity of Swedish folk music.

In the 1930s, several important Swedish folk music groups were formed, including Societas Uralica and Svenska Låtar och Sånger. These groups were responsible for collecting and performing traditional Swedish music. They also helped to raise awareness of Sweden’s unique musical heritage.

During the Second World War, Swedish folk music was once again overshadowed by other genres. However, in the post-war years, there was a renewed interest in traditional music. In the 1950s and 1960s, many Folk bands became popular, including Vattenslöjd and Bingsjötraditioner.

Nowadays, there is a strong interest in Swedish folk music both inside and outside of Sweden. There are many excellent Folk musicians performing today, keeping this important musical tradition alive for future generations to enjoy.

The Future of Swedish Folk Music

Sweden is a land with a long and proud musical tradition, encompassing everything from the lilting melodies of the joik to thehard-driving sound of heavy metal. Swedish folk music, in particular, has undergone something of a renaissance in recent years, with a new generation of performers taking up the mantle of their forebears and delivering the music to new audiences both at home and abroad.

The Revival of Folk Music

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Swedish folk music, both in Sweden and abroad. This has been spurred on by the release of several excellent recordings of traditional music, as well as by the growing popularity of folk music festivals.

Swedish folk music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments such as the fiddle, nyckelharpa, and accordion. It often has a strong danceable beat, and includes both vocal and instrumental pieces.

One of the most exciting aspects of the recent revival of Swedish folk music is the increasing number of young musicians who are taking up traditional instruments and learning to play them in the traditional style. This ensures that the music will continue to evolve and be enjoyed for many years to come.

The Popularity of Folk Music

Swedish folk music is currently enjoying a surge in popularity, both in Sweden and abroad. This is due in part to the increasing popularity of world music and the growing interest in traditional music from different cultures.

Swedish folk music has a long and rich history, dating back to the Viking era. Today, there are many different Swedish folk music traditions, ranging from cheerful polkas to melancholic ballads. Folk music is often passed down from generation to generation, and many of the best-known Swedish folk songs have been handed down for centuries.

While some traditional Swedish folk songs are sad or solemn, others are lively and upbeat. Many Swedish folk songs are about love, loss, and heartbreak, while others celebrate special occasions such as weddings or Christmas. Whatever the subject matter, Swedish folk songs are always incredibly beautiful and moving.

If you’re interested in learning more about Swedish folk music, there are many excellent resources available online and in print. You can also find a number of excellent recordings of Swedish folk music, both old and new.