Ragnhild Hemsing:

Edvard Grieg has described his music for Peer Gynt being inspired by Norwegian folk music. With that in mind, my desire with this project has been to dig deeper into the sounds and moods of the music and explore the intersection between folk music and classical music. The stage music for Peer Gynt can now be heard with new sounds, colours and perspectives. I have had an idea and a vision for this project for years and I have always believed that parts of the music will be perfect for the hardanger fiddle, in combination with the violin and a string ensemble. The arrangements are made by Tormod Tvete Vik.

I have played folk music in parallell with classical music since my childhood, and I have always been fascinated by the similarities and contrasts between these two musical traditions, both with regards to style of playing and the soundscape. For me, the combination of the hardanger fiddle and the violin brings enrichment to both instruments and traditions. This musical combinaton has actually become my musical identity!

Repertoire:

A. Sallinen – String quartet no. 3, op. 19: „Aspects of Peltoniemi Hintrik’s Funeral March“
B. Byström – A Walk to Gade
E. Grieg – Arrangement of the stage music for Peer Gynt, op. 23, for the hardanger fiddle, violin und string orchestra