Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
classical training to bear on the traditional fiddle
(Spindel);
and Sinikka Langeland, whose
Runoja
draws on ancient runic music.
For a wonderful overview of traditional Norwegian folk music, the 2007 CD
Norway: Traditional Music
excavates long-lost music from the vaults of Norwegian Public Radio.
In 2009 Norwegian folk music shot into the international arena when Alexander Rybak,
aNorwegiancomposer,fiddlerandpianistofBelorussiandescentwontheEurovisionSong
Contestwith'Fairytale',asonghecomposedhimselfandwhichdrawsdeeplyonNorwegi-
an folk traditions. He was accompanied by the modern folk dance troupe Frikar. His debut
album
Fairytales
reached number one on the Norwegian and Russian charts and the top 20
in seven other European countries.
In recent years, folk music has also taken a somewhat unexpected turn with the fusion
genre of folk-rock bringing traditional folk music to a younger audience. Both Gåte and
Odd Nordstoga in particular have won plaudits for their unlikely but successful combina-
tion of folk music with heavy metal.
Fiddling for Norway: Revival and Identity,
by Chris Goertzen, looks at the revival of folk-fiddling in Nor-
way, the history of Norwegian folk music and its influence on the world folk-music scene.
Sami Music
The haunting music of the Sami people of northern Norway is also enjoying a revival. Re-
cent Sami artists such as Aulu Gaup, Sofis Jannock, Mari Boine Persen and Nils Aslak
Valkeapää have performed, recorded and popularised traditional and modern versions of
the traditional
joik (
personal songs). Boine in particular has enjoyed international air-time
and her distinctive sound blends folk-rock with
joik
roots. For more on Sami history and
culture,
Click here
.
Contemporary Music
Modern Norwegian music is about far more than A-ha - yes, they're still around and re-
leased their ninth studio album
Foot of the Mountain
in 2009 - with Norwegian artists
excelling at everything from jazz and electronica to that peculiarly Norwegian obsession,
black metal.
