I think the first time I ever heard the Hardanger Fiddle was as a child at Nordic Fest in Decorah, Iowa. We were on our way to the Mississippi River for a camping trip and stopped by this Norwegian community. To our surprise, the community was hosting their very first Nordic Fest. Being of Norwegian descent, we of course remained the three days and had the time of our lives. I vividly remember the street dancing at night when the fiddles came out and people danced in the street.
In later years my family traveled to Norway for the first time, and we experienced the culture of our ancestors. One fond memory was visiting the Norsk Folkemuseum in Oslo, of which this group will be visiting. I felt like I was in a whole new world, and reveled in the sights, smells, and sounds. Here again, I listened to the fiddles and music of the Norwegian culture, and was drowned in the beauty of the notes.
Back home years later, cousins from Norway came with a tour group to the states. I was lucky enough to join the cousins and their group for two social events. After dinner someone from the group brought out their Hardanger Fiddle and played as shown in the photo. Now if you know anything about the Hardanger fiddle, not only does it have a beautiful appearance, but it has a tone no other fiddle has. The sound emanating from it sings this forlorn, haunting sound that touches you to your very core. The music magically sings from the fiddle into the air.
Maybe it’s that sound that Hollywood wants to capture in its movies? Did you know that the Hardanger fiddle was used in the soundtracks of “The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers,” The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,” “How to Train Your Dragon,” “Armageddon,” “Fargo,” and even in the sci-fi “Loki” series?
If you’ve read Fiddling with Fate, you know that the fiddle and religion did not mix. The fiddle was not allowed in churches. Even today, the use of the fiddle in some Norway churches may still be a bit sensitive for some people. If you would like to listen to the song, “Fanitullen”, which is mentioned in the book, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di1F8GUvEtg
To see what a Hardanger fiddle looks like and view Vesterheim’s collection of Hardanger fiddles, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d00pdXSXnM
BUT….if you want to just enjoy the beauty of its sound, listen to this song at:
The Hardanger fiddle has a beautiful, haunting sound. Love it.
How special to read your account of that first Nordic Fest! I remember the excitement in town and the great pride the event brought Decorah. I hadn't realized that Ken Burns put Hardanger fiddles so prominently in his Civil War series- such a haunting melody. Thank you!