Dive into the enchanting world of traditional Norwegian folk music with "Rosa I Botnen," a captivating album by the renowned Hardanger fiddle players Knut Hamre and Benedicte Maurseth. Released in 2006, this album is a pioneering work that beautifully blends old music traditions with instrumental innovations, showcasing the duo's exceptional talent and deep connection to their cultural heritage.
"Rosa I Botnen" is a groundbreaking recording, featuring the oldest preserved Hardanger fiddles in Norway, crafted by the legendary fiddle makers Ole Jonsen Jaastad, Isak, and Trond Botnen between 1651 and 1751. The album's 17 tracks, spanning 46 minutes, offer a rich tapestry of haunting melodies and intricate rhythms, performed with stunning virtuosity by Hamre and Maurseth. The duo is joined by a stellar ensemble, including Nils Økland on hardingfele, fiddle, and viola d'amore, Sigbjørn Apeland on organ, and Håkon Mørch on percussion, adding depth and texture to the traditional sounds.
The album's journey begins with "Elling Mølsters Trollstilte" and takes the listener through a variety of traditional tunes, including springars, rulls, and slåttar, each piece a testament to the duo's mastery of the Hardanger fiddle. The tracks are interspersed with mellomspel, brief interludes that provide a moment of reflection before the next melody unfolds. The album concludes with "Etterspel," a fitting finale to this extraordinary musical experience.
"Rosa I Botnen" is not just an album; it is a celebration of Norwegian folk music, a testament to the enduring power of tradition, and a showcase of the incredible skill and artistry of Knut Hamre and Benedicte Maurseth. Whether you are a longtime fan of folk music or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
