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The
nyckelharpa, or keyed fiddle, is a peculiarly Swedish instrument, one that can be both gentle and aggressive. The six musicians who make up the Nyckelharpa Orchestra, including
Väsen's Olov Johansson, are all masters of the instrument. Their album, named for one of the major figures in the
nyckelharpa's history (and modeled after the traditional tunes in his style), is a thing of joy. From the tinkling, music box introduction to "Samlingsmarsch" to the gliding beauty of "Klockstapelvalsen," they cover all the bases, throwing in a number of
polskas as well. The interplay between the musicians is often breathtaking, as they trade off lines or the whole ensemble plays in folkish grandeur. Swedish traditional music has come to the fore over the last few years, but in some ways this new concept harks back to the old days more completely than any deliberate re-creation.
--Chris Nickson
