Album Notes

"Norse Fiddle at the Wedding" is sweet listening, as well as a source for the wedding couple choosing music for their own celebration. The tunes--selected, arranged and composed with the American wedding in mind--do not always follow Norwegian conventions. For instance, Norwegian Hardanger fiddle music may sound moody and melancholy, whereas American couples look for a happy upbeat event. Karen's tempos and tune choices take those tastes into consideration.

"Norse Fiddle at the Wedding" is the result of thirty years of playing for weddings. Karen Torkelson Solgård regularly encounters couples who want an element of the wedding to acknowledge their national origin, even when everything else is characteristic of an "American" ceremony. This CD is a reflection of the wedding couples who bring creativity and thoughtfulness to their wedding day preparations. Karen's arrangements and compositions are a result of their requests.

The reviewer in the Hardanger Fiddle Association of America's "Sound Post" says:
"Karen's creative touch in forging an American Hardanger fiddle style is evident in her version of the Bridal March from Vang in which she sings a Bible passage from I Corinthians, Bestemor's Waltz in the style of Pachelbel Canon and two versions of Ole Bull's beloved Herding Girl's Sunday."

Historically, Norwegian country weddings were elaborate affairs that lasted up to a week. Music of the Hardanger fiddle (called hardingfele in Norwegian) featured prominently at each point in the festivities, beginning with the initial church procession from the bride's home to the feasting and dancing afterwards.

Whether planning a wedding or not, you'll love the haunting sound of the Hardanger fiddle, Norway's national instrument. The drone of its extra resonating strings--four or five of which are strung under the fingerboard and cannot be touched by the bow--create a trancelike effect. Some tunes date back to medieval times. It even looks medieval. Instead of a scroll, as on a violin, a lion's head sits at the top of the peg box and the instrument is decorated with black ink flowers and mother-of-pearl inlay. The music swirls with flourishes and ornaments in ornate decoration of the melody and harmony notes.

A companion wedding music book for Hardanger fiddle or violin is available directly from the author. Email norsefiddle@solgard.com for information about the book.

"Norse Fiddle at the Wedding" is a MUST-HAVE for your collection.