Embrik Bergaplass: Spelemann og slåttesmed
MIC's Listen to Norway series continues with Embrik Bergaplass' 'Spelemann og slåttesmed'
As the foremost up-keeper of a specific and endangered musical tradition Embrik Bergaplass occupies a unique position in Norwegian traditional music. His importance and legacy is beyond dispute as he is the uncontested master of the instrument and style that is his: the twin harmonium, used to play converted “Hardanger-fiddle tunes”.
Henceforth it is nothing less than a national relief that he at last has recorded his core repertoire and the album is a piece of Norwegian national heritage. As the album title indicates, (“player and tune-smith”) the tradition of which Embrik is master entails a twin role of both player and composer. Within the framework of traditional tunes there is always room for improvisation and creation, and this is the mark of a true master of this craft: to always incorporate the dynamism and creative possibilities in the execution of the musical heritage.
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