Customer Reviews

Nordisk Sang

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is quite simply a great compilation, recorded mostly between 1977-1988, with two tracks from 1957. All but one of the pieces are traditional, some vocal and some instrumental. They are not over-arranged -- most are solos or duets. They are presented in a fairly straightforward manner, but are filled with life and energy. Ale Moller is heard on a couple of tracks (see also his incredibly beautiful work with Lena Willemark), and there are a number of fine examples of Nordic fiddling -- a style you will never forget once you hear it.

Of particular note on this recording is the beauty of the vocals, by Pernille Anker and Kirsten Braten Berg. Their voices are lovely instruments, powerful and emotive.

The curious listener is also encouraged to explore the recordings of Lena Willemark and Ale Moller, as well as the unique treatments of medieval Norwegian song found on Jan Garbarek's recording with vocalist Agnes Buen Garnas, ROSENSFOLE (look it up on Amazon by the title ROSENFOLE to check out some samples).

There's a beautiful world awaiting the listener in the music of Scandinavia -- this disc is a great starting place.

I don't know why I originally ordered this CD (remaindered from -- dare I say it -- Daedelus), but something in their compelling description made me do it. I'm not disappointed. Every time I listen to this CD (it's permanently in the changer), I like it more. I don't get tired of it. It's foreign and familiar. Haunting and comforting. Very beautiful. I'm not an expert, so I can't give reasons, but if you love music -- the music of the human soul/mind -- I suspect you'll enjoy this. It's worth the risk.

What more can be said about recordings that I listen to over and over again without ever tiring? Nordisk Sang was the fire that ignited me to further pursue additional Norwegian recordings, such as The Sweet Sunny North series. It's like your standard blue blazer; the essential and first cornerstone of everything else that follows.

For a time travel journey into Norwegian folk music, pick up a copy of Nordisk Sang - Music of Norway. These recordings combine musical artists from much of the twentieth century into one collection, sometimes within the same song. Hardingfele (Hardanger fiddle) player Hans Brimi, in his sixties at the time of these recordings, accompanies the much-younger Pernille Anker on two numbers including Blaa Tonar Fra Lum (Blue Notes From Lum). Other fiddlers include Torleiv Bolstad, Hallvard T. Bjoergum and Gunnar Stubseid. Bolstad who never recorded music until two years before his death in 1979 especially dazzles on Svein I Sy' Garde. Kirsten Braaten-Berg, who is still very much alive today playing at folk music festivals and releasing recordings, makes seven appearances on this 19-cut album, the most of any artist. Her material is relatively diverse for the genre, but her voice shines most brightly on Heiemo Og Nykkjen with only a light synthesizer played by Ale Moeller as backup. Seljefloeyte (willow flute) is played by the late Eivind Groven and by Steinar Ofsdal, later of Bukkene Bruse fame. There are a fair handful of collection albums of Norwegian folk music available. This one stands out because it was recorded earlier than most of them, between 1977 and 1988, and because it includes artists who had little or no opportunity for commercial success in their time, but may now with the emergence of Norwegian folk music into the international music scene.

I have never heard music like this before.The voices of the female singers are so perfectly pitched & pure, the music so melancholy & strange; it is very beautiful. I wasn't impressed much by the Hardanger fiddle music though, but I think that takes getting used to; it seems so discordant to me. However, it doesn't overwhelm the voices & in many pieces isn't even presented. I hope someday soon this group will come out with another recording.

The prior reviews more than adequately describe the mystery and haunting beauty of this disc. I have a lot of nordic discs and this one can't be beat. What makes it special is the variety of presentations (vocal and various instruments), the consistent quality of the song selection, the loving and deeply evocative arrangements that showcase the sheer beauty of the music. And then there are those voices! What incredible ones! Braten-Berg is well entitled to her due. But Pernille Anker is equally a treasure, and we lost her way too early. As far as I can determine, this is the ONLY disc readily available in the U.S. that showcases her amazing talent. She does have one incredible cut on Wizard Women of the North.

I received this CD as a present from a friend who evidently knows me quite well. I love every track, and though it has beeen over two years since I received it, I still play it quite regularly. It is the kind of music you need to read Beowulf to, next to a fire, on a rainy day.

This is a great offering of traditional Norwegian songs in various settings from solo flute to voice with synthesizers. Hardanger fiddle and non-tempered organ seem to run the gamut of possibilities. Production is good, but the real value lies in the songs themselves.

I wouldn't describe myself as a music critic, but I do get restless and like novelty, and world music gives me range to do that. That said, a friend gave me Nordisk Sang more than 10 years ago, and it grew on me over time and is probably my most played cd. The vocals are hauntingly beautiful in a way unpolluted by self-consciousness, and the harmonies are complex and unfamiliar enough even after scores of listenings that I can't shake the feeling of "otherliness" I get listening to it.

In the last couple of years I've explored more Nordic roots music and although I've found some good albums like Garbarek and Bukkene Bruse, nothing's quite equalled Nordisk Sang. Something magic there.

So much was lost in the oral tradition of the Vikings, although this CD is 17th century recontruction,it's simple but rough hewn elegance speaks well of the herioc ages. This CD is A stroll thru germanic antiquity. Enjoy!