Oslo Philharmonic Chamber Series Johan Svendsen
Folk Music

In this concert, a chamber group of musicians from the Oslo Philharmonic will present traditional folk tunes and slåtter arranged for string quartet. Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish melodies meet here in styles ranging from delicate and serene to rhythmic and dance-like. From Norway, we hear the bridal march from Seljord, the reinlender from Ål, and Tjønneblomen, while Sweden contributes a polska and the dance song Kristi du kom, and Denmark is represented by the ballad Stædelil, the Sønderho bridal piece, and Drømte mig en drøm.

The traditional sound of the Hardanger fiddle in interplay with the brand-new Hardanger cello lends an authentic Nordic colour to the whole. The concert concludes with the third and fourth movements of Johan Svendsen's String Quartet in A minor, Op. 1, which demonstrates how the composer drew inspiration from the expressive world of folk music.

This programme has a strong local identity and distinctive character, with roots that extend far back into Nordic musical tradition. The rich and varied soundscape of folk music is presented here in a classical string quartet version.