Lysoen-Hommage a Ole Bull is a haunting tribute to Norwegian violinist Ole Bull, performed by the duo of Nile Okland (violin, Hardanger fiddle) and Sigbjorn Apeland (piano, harmonium). Much of what you'll hear on this CD is sparse, atmospheric soundscapes, with gorgeous piano and harmonium from Apeland over which the violin or fiddle from Okland can soar and sputter. As such, most of these pieces (a mix of traditional Bull compositions and Okland/Apeland originals) stray from the normal ECM flavored jazz & avant-garde style and cross over into avant-folk and classical themes, with the rich, ethnic nature of Norwegian folk coming through in a big way. When it all works, the results are extraordinary, like on the stunning "Grålysning" and the majestic "La Mélancolie", as the pairing of Apeland's gorgeous piano with Okland's weaving violin is simply magical. Not all the numbers are as successful however, as some tracks tend to meaner a bit and drift into non-melodic avenues. The good far outweights the bad though, as you can't help but get sucked in by the drifting, tranquil sounds that these two musicians have been able to create here. On the rare occasion when Okland lets his fiddle rip, like on "Solveigs sang", it breaks up the more meditative flow a bit and allows forsome welcome variety.
All in all, Lysoen-Hommage a Ole Bull is an engaging listen, and a great introduction to the sounds of traditional Norwegian folk and classical music through the work of these two fine contemporary musicians.
Track Listing
- Stusle Sundagskveldenl;
- La Mélancolie;
- Belg og slag;
- Grålysning;
- Sylkje-Per; Solstraum;
- Theme from Nocturne;
- Eg ser deg utfor gluggjen;
- Ole Bull-vais;
- I Roseland under Sagas Hall / La Folia;
- Tjødn;
- Jeg har så lun en hytte;
- Solveigs sang;
- Sylkje-Per, var.;
- La Mélancolie, var.;
- Sæterjentsens Søndag.
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
