I Halldors ånd - Trio Hardanger

This recording interpretations of Norwegian folk tunes in the manner of the legendary fiddle player Halldor Meland (1884–1972), performed by three of Norway’s most accomplished soloists on the hardanger fiddle. The recording is a result of a number of musical as well as human encounters – both Frank Rolland and Åse Teigland studied with Knut Hamre during their early years; Knut Hamre himself learned the art from older fiddlers who had Meland as their principal teacher; and all three have been inspired here by the dynamic, boundless and uncompromising spirit of the older master. As an ensemble, the members of trio HARDANGER draw a kind of energy from one another that infuses their playing with new vitality. But above all they stand forth as soloists, with a spontaneity, vigor and inner verve that lives on inside the listener. 

Taking on Halldor Meland’s music is no small matter; his tunes — whether they be compositions from his own hand or older tunes that bear his characteristic stamp — are technically challenging, and place considerable demands on the performer’s interpretive abilities. Knut Hamre, Åse Teigland and Frank Rolland have approached this task with respect for tradition, as well as the vitality of innovation. All the tunes — whether realized on the basis of Halldor Meland’s recordings or by way of intermediate sources — are characterized by presence, drive and energy. We furthermore hear performances of tunes that the three soloists have rarely played on previous occasions.

Click here for booklet

Listen in streaming services