Grieg – „Peer Gynt” - NOSPR

Ragnhild Hemsing is a Norwegian violinist specialising in classical and folk music performance. She is also renowned for playing the hardingfele, a traditional instrument of her native land which resembles a lavishly ornamented violin. It can have eight or nine strings – five working the same as in the classical violin, the others being sympathetic strings, which enrich the sound and enable multi-voice playing. The hardingfele is a musical symbol of Norwegian-ness – just like Edvard Grieg. What will be the outcome of the two symbols meeting in the same space and at the same time?

This is what Ragnhild Hemsing set out to investigate. Not only did she arrange the famous Peer Gynt suite for the violin and the hardingfele, but she also additionally enhanced it with an improvisation reaching for inspiration to be found in traditional Norwegian music. This rendition of Grieg’s work is indeed a fascinating one. The music is performed con amore, yet simultaneously rough just like the fiords of Norway. The Morning Mood, the mazurka-style Anitra’s Dance, or the melancholic Solveig’s Song, all still sound familiar, yet entirely different from their conventional orchestral recordings we have grown accustomed to.

Alexandra Kozowicz

Concert duration: approximately 70 minutes

This concert can be part of "My Subscription." Check the details and create "My Subscription" freely by choosing from various concerts in the chamber and concert halls – more information.