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Laget for folkemusikk
Solo og Samspel (Ta:lik, Norway)
$16.99

Laget for folkemusikk (The folk music association) has been the most important organization for folk musicians in Oslo the last 100 years and these recordings trace it's history through recordings by some of the country's great hardingfele (hardangar fiddle) players. Musicians in this collection include Arne Røine, Kjetil Løndal, Magne Myhren, Henrik Gjellesvik, Dagne Groven Myhren (song), Hallgrim Berg (seljefløyte), Håkon Asheim, Magne Manheim, Ånon Egeland, the ensembles Midtgaard-Løndal and Balchen, Bolstad og Bøe and many many more. Look below for a complete track and performer list.

Excellent historical and musicial notes in Norwegian and English

"Laget for Folkemusikk" in Oslo started as a gathering of friends around the hardangerfiddle, and it`s special type of music, and dance. After 100 years of existence, it still sticks to this goal. This CD is meant to be a musical monument and documentation of the fiddlers who have made a deep impression in the folk music environment in Oslo during the past 50 years.

"Laget for Folkemusikk" means "The Folk music Association". This association (LfF) came into existence in 1903. Until 1931 it was called "Huldraleiken" which is the equivalent of "The Elf Dance".

At the turn of the last century many people moved from the rural districts to get work in the towns and cities. They carried with them the old traditions from their local communities. The 8 stringed hardangerfiddle and the old rural dances brought these people together in an environment of mutual, cultural understanding. As a consequence, they arranged gatherings for fiddling, dancing and competitions in their local traditions.

Many of the best fiddlers in Norway have met in LfF and been members for shorter or longer periods of time. It´s main objective is to preserve and carry on the unbroken tradition of the Norwegian folk music, and especially the hardangerfiddle music.

Performers and tracks:

• 01. Arne Røine (1908-2000) grew up in Fagernes in Valdres, but moved to Oslo, where he found his vocation as a Painter. He played hardangerfiddle, violin, birchbark longhorn and willow flute, and contributed to entertainment at the LfF gatherings. He was foreman of LfF 1956-1958 and was later promoted to Honorary Member. Lurlått (melody played on the Birch bark longhorn). Recorded 1975.
• 02. The Folk music Association: Leikarvollbekken, springar by Torkjell Torkjell Haugerud. Rec. 1962. Torkjell Haugerud (1876-1954) was a famous fiddler who also composed several pieces for the hardangerfiddle. Cfr. no. 27.
• 03. Ola Bøe (1910-1986) was born in Vestre Slidre (western valley of Valdres). His father was a fiddler of great capacity who died when Ola was only 12 years old. Ola continued to learn from Andris Øde and the two famous fiddlers Ivar Ringestad and Olav Moe. Ola Bøe was an exceptionally good dance fiddler, and won the National Championship in 1969. He found work within mechanical industry. Springar after Ola Hamre. Rec. 1971.
• 04. Jon Tryti (1920-1999) was born in Vik in Sogn on the west coast. He learned fiddling from the local musicians, but was also tutored by Sigbjørn B. Osa. He spent much time playing for figure dancing and old fashion Square dance. He achieved the class A in 1962. Springar after Georg Tistel. Rec. 1963.
• 05. Søren Nomeland (1916-1994) was from Valle in Setesdal and learned the special traditions of that district. In Oslo his profession was within Banking. He became a member of the LfF shortly after 1945. Besides his traditional musical dialect, he played for the figure dancing and Square dance groups. He achieved class A in 1955. Knut Heddis minne, gangar. Rec.1970.
• 06. Gullik Haugen (1911-1978) was born in Vestre Slidre and learned his fiddling, both at home and from Ivar Ringestad. He moved to Oslo where he worked as an Auto Mechanic. Springar after Ivar Ringestad. Rec. 1978.
• 07. Pål Skogum (1921-1990) was born in Vågå in Gudbrandsdal, where he started learning from his father, Eistein Skogum. Pål lived several years in Begnadalen in Valdres, but moved eventually to Oslo. He found work within Industry. He became a member of the LfF where all found pleasure in his eminent Fiddle Music from Ottadalen. He won the Annual Championship for “Ordinary Fiddle” in 1946. Class A from 1946. Stor i stugun, springleik. Rec. 1959.
• 08. Torleiv Bolstad (1915-1979) grew up in Øystre Slidre (eastern valley of Valdres) where he mainly learned the traditional music from Ola Okshovd and Engebret Beitohaugen. Torleiv came to Oslo in 1947 where he worked as a Painter. In the early sixties he moved back to Valdres where he made a major contribution in reviving and maintaining the local music tradition. He won the National Championship in 1946, 1957, 1970 and 1971. Sumarkveld i Jotunheimen, springar. Tuning G-c-a-e. Rec. 1954.
• 09. Talleiv Røysland (1897-1981) was from Lårdal in West Telemark. He learned both fiddling and dancetune singing in his local environment. He came to Oslo in 1923, and from 1933 to 1960 was the Janitor of the main meeting place of the LfF. He was an exceptional Singer and Storyteller, and participated in every gathering of the LfF. He was heard on radio first in the fifties. A much appreciated honorary member of both Telelaget and the LfF. Gjestebodsgubben, vocal. Rec. 1955. (Cfr. No 10)
• 10. Kjetil Løndal (1907-1987) was from Tuddal in Telemark where he learned from his famous father, Svein Løndal. He moved to Oslo in 1939, where he worked as a Janitior, a job that allowed him to develop his abilities to a great extent. He was the main musical leader of the LfF from 1945 to 1980. As a master fiddler and champion dancer and teacher, he has made a great contribution to Norwegian culture as a whole, traveling abroad, presenting Norwegian culture at its best. He won the National Championship in 1956, 1958, 1959 and 1966. He was awarded his Majesty the Kings Gold Medal for outstanding achievement. Gjestebodsgubben, springar. Rec. 1970.
• 11. Odd Bakkerud (1931-1989) was from Nes in Hallingdal and learned the local playing dialect first from his Mother, Kari Bakkerud and his uncle Knut. He also learned many tunes from a relative, Jørgen Husemoen and champion fiddler Truls Ørpen. Later on he picked up many tunes from Kjetil Løndal and Ola Bøe. Bakkerud was a member of LfF for 15 years. In Oslo he worked in an electrical store. He was the winner of the Annual Championship (Landskappleiken) 6 times. Kåte Reiar, springar. Rec. 1967.
• 12. Magne Myhren was born in 1937 in Hol in Hallingdal, learned the local fiddling tradition mainly from Sevat Sataøyn from 1952 and onward. He has a University degree, and lectures and writes concerning culturally related issues. Magne came to Oslo in 1959 and joined the LfF. He is an enthusiastic fiddler and storyteller, and has had many Radio programs. A class fiddler from 1965. Gudbrand Østen, springar. Tuning G-d-a-d. Rec. 1970.
• 13. Harald Røine (1941-1998) was the eldest son of Arne Røine, and along with his brother Erik (a champion dancer), came in contact with the LfF and folk music and dance at an early age. He converted from the violin to the hardangerfiddle around 1958, and learned mainly from Torleiv Bolstad, Ola Bøe and Kjetil Løndal. He and his wife moved back to Valdres in 1990, where he contributed greatly to the teaching and perpetuation of the local culture in music and dance. He achieved class A as a hardangerfiddler in 1978. Hilmehallingen, 2/4 and 6/8. Tuning G-d-a-e. Rec. 1978.
• 14. Reidar Skjelkvåle was born in 1940, in Skjåk in Gudbrandsdalen. He is Chief Veterinary in Oslo. In the latter part of the sixties he joined the LfF. Later on he founded the “Gudbrandsdølenes” fiddling group. He won the Annual Championship for “Ordinary Fiddle” in 1977, 1978 and 1979. Rødøen, pols. Rec. 1972.
• 15. Kjell Chr. Midtgaard was born in 1948 in Oslo, and is presently working as a Medical Doctor at Stavern. He began playing the hardangerfiddle with Magne Manheim in 1964, and has also been a dedicated pupil of Kjetil Løndal. He is a loyal bearer of our traditional culture and has contributed with a book about Gunnar Røstad, one of our greatest hardangerfiddle makers. Stubben, springar, tradition from Håvard Gibøen. Tuning A-e-a-e. Rec. 1979.
• 16. The Folk Music Association: Fenta, halling. Rec. 1978
• 17. Bernt Balchen was born in 1931 in New Jersey, USA. He spent his early youth in Norway, and 6 years in the USA; before returning to Norway in 1946. He spent 12 years as an Aviator, but switched to Data Processing at the University of Oslo, where he worked for 28 years. He heard the hardangerfiddle for the first time in 1946, and was so captivated by its special sound and unique music, that he has played it since then. His first tutoring was given by Magne Manheim and Henrik Gjellesvik. Being able to read and write music helped in his teaching of the fiddle, and he has been leader of the Fiddle group since 1980. He has returned 7 times to teach at the Hardanger Fiddle Association of America. He has competed at the class A champion level since 1956. Knut Vårum, springar. Tuning G-d-a-e. Rec. 1978.
• 18. Knut Trøen was born 1932 in Vestre Slidre in Valdres. He was taught first by his father, Torgeir Trøen, and by others such as Harald Fylken and Lars Bjerke. He came to Oslo in 1950 where he became a member of the LfF in 1963. Besides the old Valdres tradition, he also played for Figure- and Square dancing. A class A fiddler from 1963. Eggjaren, springar. Tuning G-d-a-e. Rec. 1982.
• 19. Arne M. Sølvberg was born 1950 in Stryn in Nordfjord. He was a member of the LfF from 1972 to 1979, and along with Jon Tryti formed the “Vestlandsgruppa” fiddling group. After returning home to Stryn, he became a farmer, and he has contributed greatly to promote the local fiddling and dancing. He won the Annual Championship for “Ordinary Fiddle” in 1989. Here he plays the hardangerfiddle. Kjellstadhallingen. Tuning A-d-fiss-e. Rec. 1975.
• 20. Olav Øyråker (1909-1986) was from Vestre Slidre in Valdres and had his traditional style from the great Ivar Ringestad. In Oslo, he was a School Teacher for many years. He had a reputation of being a good athlete and, naturally, also a good Halling dancer. He held many Radio programs and lectures, and was foreman of the LfF from 1958 to 1960. He achieved class A status in 1956. Styggen i kyrkjetårnet (The Devil in the Church Tower), springar. Rec. 1958.
• 21. Henrik Gjellesvik (1892-1964) came from Haus in North Hordaland on the west coast of Norway and acquired his fiddling tradition from near relatives. He was an Engineer by profession, but passionately engaged in promoting knowledge of Norways national music. He arranged the first organized hardangerfiddle class in the LfF in 1950, an activity which is still going on today. He won the National Championship in 1918 and 1920. Nøringen, wedding tune 6/8. Tuning A-c-a-ciss. Rec. 1938.
• 22. Dagne Groven Myhren was born in 1940 in Oslo. She has her musical background from her father, the famous Composer and hardangerfiddle player Eivind Groven from West Telemark. Talleiv Røysland and Aslak Brekke have also contributed much to the traditional style and tonality she represents. Dagne is a class A old style singer and teacher of that tradition. Like her husband Magne, she has a University degree. She has lectured in Norwegian literature at the University of Oslo for more than 30 years. and has published books an articles concerning literature and folk music. She also has had many Radio programs. Vogga, vocal, tradition after Aslak Brekke. Rec. 1971.
• 23. Hallgrim Berg was born in 1945 at Ål in Hallingdal, and has a University degree in Philology. He is a Politician, Businessman, and good dancer who plays the jew’s harp and the willow flute in Norwegian tradition. He has had many Radio programs and acted as foreman of the LfF in the early seventies. Halling, willow flute. Rec. 1983.
• 24. Trygve Bolstad was born in 1943 in Øystre Slidre in Valdres. Primarly he learned from his father, Knut Bolstad, who was a well accomplished local fiddler. Trygve came to Oslo in the early seventies and worked in the construction business as a Blacksmith and Welder. He got contact with his relative, Torleiv Bolstad, and with Ola Bøe in the LfF. Around 1980 he returned to Valdres, and has contributed greatly in teaching the younger generation the old music traditions of the valley. Hengslelåtten, listening tune. Rec. 1976.
• 25. Tore Rødølen was born in 1948 in Sel in Gudbrandsdalen. He is a Medical Doctor and plays both the hardangerfiddle and the violin. A top notch performer on both instruments, and an especially good dance fiddler. Vals. Tuning A-e-a-ciss. Rec. 1974.
• 26. Håkon Asheim was born in Oslo in 1962, but his father’s family came from Valdres. He began playing the violin as a youngster, but soon took up the hardangerfiddle after getting in contact with Bernt Balchen in the LfF Valdres group. He continued to learn from local fiddlers in the valley, and has studied music at University level. Presently he is occupied as a fulltime Folkmusician. Fløthaugen, halling. Rec. 1985.
• 27. Magne Manheim (1928-1997) was born in Seljord in Telemark and grew up in the old fiddling tradition there. His father was one of the outstanding fiddlers of his time. Magne moved to Oslo in 1947 to study music. He worked as a violinist in the Norwegian Broadcasting System´s Orchestra for many years. He has been foreman of the LfF and the National Fiddler’s Association. In later years he returned to Seljord. He was especially known for his presentation of Torkjell Haugeruds compositions, such as Tårån i troppine. Tuning B natural-d-g-d. Rec. 1957.
• 28. The Folk music Association: Vesleguten og massingpipa gangar, 6/8. Rec. 1978.
• 29. Kjetil Løndal and Kjell Chr. Midtgaard: Geitehytten also called Guro Lomodden, springar. Rec.1974.
• 30. Gullik Kirkevoll (1895-1978) was from Vestre Slidre, but moved early to Oslo, where he worked as a Gardener. He carried on his old traditional fiddling, but he was best known as a master dancer and teacher of the Valdres Springar and Halling dance. Farvel folk i bygde, vocal. Rec. 1952.
• 31. Ånon Egeland was born in 1954 in Oslo, and was captivated by the hardangerfiddle at the age of 16. He became a member of the LfF very early. Ånon plays hardangerfiddle, ordinary fiddle, Jew´s harp, and a variety of flutes. He has especially worked with the traditional music of Agder. Among his tutors we find Andres K. Rystad, Salve Austenå, and Sigurd Fjeldstad. Ånon won the “Fiddlers award”, which is an annual multi musical competition, in 1977. He has been active both as a performer, and in producing recordings. From 1988 to 1996 he worked with the establishment of a folk music study at the Fagernes Intermediate School, and he is a frequently used lecturer and instructor. He is presently established as a teacher at the Folk culture Institute at Rauland in Telemark. Langmyrvalsen, learned from Sigurd Fjeldstad.
• 32. Bernt Balchen, Torleiv Bolstad and Ola Bøe: Skrøviken, springar. Rec. 1979.