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  • Nyckelharpa

    The nyckelharpa is an intriguing Swedish folk music instrument. .Several hypothesises exist about its origin: is it brought from Germany, or perhaps from Belgium? Or is it a genuine Swedish 'invention'?









  • Early church paintings

    Depictions in churches of angels playing nyckelharpa show that the instrument had a certain status in the Middle Ages. Early paintings are mainly found in Sweden. This photo is made in Tolfta, Uppland.








  • Early church paintings

    Tolfta, Uppland.







About the Blog

Hi, welcome on my blog about the nyckelharpa! I'm Janine Buisman, musicologist, IT project manager, garden designer and above all a nyckelharpa player from the Netherlands.

With this blog I want to give you a source of information regarding the nyckelharpa. Here you can find blog posts about the instrument in general, on (coming) workshops and courses, music with or for nyckelharpa, interesting literature, etc. Feel free to comment - and enjoy!

Would you like to contact me? Please leave a message in the contact form below.

Wednesday, 22 May 2024

A new composition for nyckelharpa

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Swedish composer Anders Jallén (1961, based in the Netherlands) wrote the ‘Requiem for nyckelharpa and double bass’ in April 2024, commissioned by conductor Josefine Straesser. One evening in October 2023, Josefine was driving home to Amsterdam from Antwerp when she heard the nyckelharpa on Radio 4, the Dutch radio channel for classical music. She was immediately captivated by the instrument and came up with the idea of incorporating the original Gregorian melodies underlying the Requiem op. 9 by Maurice Duruflé (1902-1986), into a composition for nyckelharpa. The ‘Requiem for nyckelharpa and double bass’ was written for Janine Buisman (nyckelharpa) and Henrik Holm (double bass). The unique sonority is characteristic of this duo.

Anders Jallén
Anders Jallén

Anders Jallén began his music studies with musicology in Sweden in the 1980s. Including at the University of Gothenburg with Professor Jan Ling, whose doctoral dissertation (1967) was on the nyckelharpa as a folk music instrument in Sweden. At that time, there were only a handful of (mostly elderly) nyckelharpa players and he therefore assumed the instrument was critically endangered. Ling's work was a milestone in placing the instrument at the centre of traditional folk music at the time. This Requiem was therefore written in fond memory of the late professor of musicology Jan Ling.

Jallén's Requiem uses nine ancient melodies from the Liber Usualis, the same melodies that also inspired Duruflé for his Requiem op. 9. Sometimes these melodies are used by Jallén in a way that ties in with that Gregorian tradition. But, also considering the instrumentation and especially the nyckelharpa, idioms inspired by traditional Swedish folk music are sometimes used, with Jallén also coming up with variations of his own. 

The ‘Requiem for nyckelharpa and double bass’ will be premiered on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 June at the Nassau Church in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. More info and tickets available on the website Requiem voor de buurt (only in Dutch).


Flyer concert 'Requiem voor de buurt' in Amsterdam
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Friday, 1 March 2024

Workshops 2024

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Eager to improve your nyckelharpa playing, learn some new tunes, or meet other nyckelharpa players? Then workshops are a wonderful place to go to with your instrument! Also, when you'd like to start with playing nyckelharpa there are several workshops each year for beginners. 
Below you'll find the nyckelharpa workshops and masterclasses of the year 2024 worldwide. Missing the mention of a workshop or masterclass? Additions are most welcome, just drop me a line!

Later in the year, a list with workshops in 2025 will follow as well. So keep an eye on this blog!

January

Germany:

24th Fürstenecker Bordunale: Ensemble für Nyckelharpa und Streicher

Date: 2 - 5 January 2024
Location: Burg Fürsteneck, Am Schlossgarten 3, D-36132 Eiterfeld (DE)
Teacher: Johannes Mayr (DE) 

"Balfolk Repertoire im Streicher-Groove! Nyckelharpa, Geigen, Celli, Bässe und Freunde: Alle Streichinstrumente sind in diesem Kurs willkommen. Wir wollen vor allem Tanzmusik spielen! Das Repertoire besteht aus traditioneller und neukomponierter Musik insbesondere aus Frankreich, der Bretagne, England, Skandinavien, aber auch aus alten Handschriften des deutschsprachigen Raums. Das soll erstmal in die Beine gehen! Und dabei nach abwechslungsreicher Musik klingen, die auch für die Ohren ein Genuss ist."

February

...

March

...

April

Germany:

Nyckelharpa Wochenende Nord: Kurse für Nyckelharpa & Ensemble

Website: https://www.nyckelharpawochenende.de/nord/index.php
Date: 19 - 21 April 2024
Location: Proitzer Mühle, Proize 3, 29465 Schnega, Niedersachsen (DE)
Teacher: Josefina Paulson (SE), Mia Marine, Johannes Mayr (DE), & Björn Kaidel (DE)

The Netherlands:

Workshop weekend voor bourdonmuziek, balfolk & samenspel: nyckelharpa

Website:  https://draailier-doedelzak.nl/workshop.htm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/234306872450150
Date: 12-14 April 2024
Location: De Zonnewende, Esscheweg 78, 5271 NA, Sint-Michielsgestel (NL)
Teacher: 

May

Belgium:

Swedish Music Course for Nyckelharpa & Other Strings

Date: 17 - 20 May 2024
Location: Plokkersheem, Douvieweg 14, 8978 Watou (BE)
Teacher: Markus Svensson (SE)

Eighteen hours of music with Markus Svensson for nyckelharpa and other string players, plus a surprising activity and of course jam sessions!

June

Germany:

Nyckelharpa Wochenede Süd: Kurse für Nyckelharpa. Geige & Ensemble

Date: 7-9 June 2024
Location: Haus der Volkskunst, Ebinger Str. 56, 72336 Balingen-Dürrwangen, Baden-Württemberg (DE)
Teachers: Anna Ekborg Hans-Ers, Petrus Dillner, Jerker Hans-Ers, Björn Kaidel, & Johannes Mayr

Sweden:

Course at Ekebyholm for Nyckelharpa and Violin

Website: https://www.bilda.nu/projekt-och-initiativ/latkursen-pa-ekebyholm
Date: 23-27 June 2024
Location: Ekebyholm Castle, 762 91 Rimbo (SE)
Teachers: Caroline Eriksson, Daniel Hedman, Olov Johansson, Johan Lång, & Torbjörn Näsbom

"Låtkursen på Ekebyholm startade 1976 med Eric Sahlström och Gösta Sandström som lärare. Varje år utser Eric Sahlströms Minnesfond några unga spelmän i åldrarna 13–20 år till stipendiater. Förutom en kursplats på Låtkursen på Ekebyholm är det en stor ära att bli utsedd till ”Sahlströmstipendiat” och hittills kan 100 personer titulera sig så! Många stipendiater kommer också tillbaka, både som kursdeltagare och som lärare."

July

...

August

Italy:

Masterclasses Early Music for Nyckelharpa

Website: https://early-music-summer-master-classes.jimdosite.com/master-classes/
Date: 2-5 August 2024
Location: Pizza Fratti 2, I-47034 Forlimpopoli (FC) (IT)
Teacher: Marco Ambrosini (IT/DE)

"This masterclass is aimed at the more advanced nyckelharpa / viola d’amore a chiavi player and requires preparation using previously sent sheet music. It will be based on the resolution of the questions of performance of early music on our instrument; forming the sound, articulation, phrasing, consort play and vocal accompaniment will be the main subjects of this masterclass."

Nyckelharpa Camp

Website: 
https://early-music-summer-master-classes.jimdosite.com/nyckelharpa-camp/
Date: 5-8 August 2024
Location: Pizza Fratti 2, I-47034 Forlimpopoli (FC) (IT)
Teacher: Anette Osann (DE)

"We offer for the 8th time (in cooperation with the Music School of Forlimpopoli and the European Nyckelharpa Training) a specialization workshop in early music (for nyckelharpa / viola d'amore a chiavi) suitable for medium-level students. at the Music School of Forlimpopoli. [...] She not only teaches playing technique, but also the basics of instrument making and instrument care. Enhance your technique and ensemble playing  during an intensive workshop with Annette Osann  -  making music out of notes! Tuning: 415 Hz."

September

United Kingdom:

Harpas at Halsway: Nyckelharpa Festival

Website: https://nyckelharpa.me.uk/harpas-at-halsway-nyckelharpa-festival/
Date: 6-8 September 2024
Location: Halsway Manor, Taunton, Somerset TA4 (UK)
Teacher: Torbjörn Näsmbom, Gabi Maas, & Vicki Swan


October

Germany:

21st International Days of the Nyckelharpa at Burg Fürsteneck

Website: https://nyckelharpa.burg-fuersteneck.de/nyckelharpa_eng.html
Date: 3-6 October 2024
Location: Burg Fürsteneck, Am Schlossgarten 3, D-36132 Eiterfeld (DE)
Teachers: Annette Osann (DE), Petra Krebs (CH), Laurent Vercambre (FR), Jean Darbois (FR), Jule Bauer (DE), Olov Johansson (SE), Markus Svensson (SE), Marco Ambrosini (IT/DE), & Didier François (BE)

The 21st International Days of the Nyckelharpa takes place from 3 to 6 October 2024 at Burg Fürsteneck in Eiterfeld, Germany. Several parallel workshops on different levels and subjects are offered. Plus: additional short workshops, nyckelharpa exhibition with many instrument makers, nyckelharpa conference, informal exchanges and play together.

November

Germany:

Nyckelharpkurs Altenmünster

Website: https://www.nyckelharpawochenende.de/altenmuenster/index.php
Date: 22-24 November 2024
Location: Maria Ward Haus, Eppishofer Str. 18, 86450 Altenmünster, Bayern (DE)
Teachers: Björn Kaidel, Regina Kunkel, & Johannes Mayr

December

...
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Wednesday, 27 December 2023

Nyckelharpa Network: A Triumph for Swedish Cultural Heritage

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In a momentous achievement, the Nyckelharpa Network has been inscribed into the UNESCO Register of Good Safeguarding Practices for Intangible Cultural Heritage (website). This prestigious recognition, bestowed in December 2023, acknowledges the network's efforts to preserve and promote the music and traditional craftsmanship of the nyckelharpa. The network's innovative approach to safeguarding the instrument's cultural heritage, including training programs, workshops, and community engagement initiatives, has been recognized as a model for other cultural practices worldwide. This significant achievement not only celebrates the nyckelharpa's rich cultural significance but also underscores the importance of preserving traditional music and cultural practices for future generations.

The Nyckelharpa: A Unique Musical Journey

The nyckelharpa has a fascinating history dating back to the late medieval period, it has endured as an unbroken tradition. What sets the nyckelharpa apart is not only its hauntingly beautiful sound but also the intimate connection between its players and the instrument-making process. Unlike many other instruments, there are a quite lot of nyckelharpa players who also craft their own instruments, ensuring a seamless blend of artistry and craftsmanship.

Esbjörn, The Driving Force

At the heart of this achievement stands Esbjörn Hogmark, a nyckelharpa master builder and player from Uppland. Esbjörn’s passion for the instrument led him to co-found the Eric Sahlström Institute (ESI) in 1998, where he continues to serve on the board. His dedication extends beyond playing and making nyckelharpas; he has been the mastermind behind the successful application to have the Nyckelharpa Network recognized as intangible cultural heritage.

Watch the application video here:


Esbjörn’s tireless efforts culminated in the Nyckelharpa Network’s inclusion in the UNESCO Register. The Swedish government submitted the proposal during the eighteenth session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Kasane, Republic of Botswana. An evaluation body meticulously assessed the application, leading to a plenary assembly vote in favor of the Nyckelharpa Network’s inscription.

Impact and Significance

  • Preserving Tradition: The UNESCO recognition acknowledges the importance of passing down this unique heritage to future musicians and instrument-makers. And therefore ensures that nyckelharpa music and craftsmanship will be safeguarded for generations to come.
  • Global Visibility: Inclusion in the Register elevates the Nyckelharpa Network’s profile on the international stage. It invites curiosity, research, and collaboration from musicians, scholars, and enthusiasts worldwide.
  • Cultural Pride: For Sweden, this inscription is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage that defines Sweden's identity. It reaffirms the country’s commitment to preserving its cultural identity and celebrating its artistic heritage.
  • Inspiration for Creativity: The nyckelharpa’s recognition inspires contemporary musicians to explore its possibilities, infusing new life into an ancient tradition.

Conclusion

As the Nyckelharpa Network takes its rightful place among the world’s cultural treasures, we celebrate Esbjörn Hogmark’s unwavering dedication. His vision, combined with the harmonious resonance of the nyckelharpa, ensures that this musical legacy will resonate across time and borders.


Thank you video of the Nyckelharpa Network:


Sources:


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Sunday, 1 January 2017

Workshops 2017

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Eager to improve your nyckelharpa playing, learn some new tunes, or meet other nyckelharpa players? Then workshops are a wonderful place to go to with your instrument! Also when you'd like to start playing nyckelharpa there several workshops each year for beginners (f.e. at Burg Fürsteneck or Halsway Manor). Below you'll find the nyckelharpa workshops of the year 2017 worldwide, as well as workshops given by nyckelharpa players (f.e. combined with violins). Missing the mention of a workshop? Additions are most welcome, so please let me know!

Later in the year, a list with workshops in 2018 will follow as well. So keep an eye on this blog!

January

Germany:

17th Fürstenecker Bordunale

Date: 1 - 4 January 2017
Location: Burg Fürsteneck, Am Schlossgarten 3, D-36132 Eiterfeld (DE)
Teacher: Annette Osann (FR/DE) and Josefina Paulson (SE)

From 1st to 4th January 2017, the Fürstenecker Bordunale takes place again, inter alia, with a nyckelharpa workshop with Annette Osann (France / Germany) and an ensemble workshop for Swedish music with Josefina Paulson (Sweden).

February


March

United Kingdom

Beginners Halsway Weekend 2017

Website: http://nyckelharpa.me.uk/halsway/beginners-halsway-weekend-march-2017/
Date: 10-12 March 2017
Location: Halsway Manor, Taunton, Somerset TA4 (UK)
Teacher: Vicki Swan

"A full-on, fun packed workshop weekend for beginners as well as more experienced players of this unusual Swedish folk stringed instrument. Workshops will cover all aspects of playing the nyckelharpa: posture, technique, bowing, Swedish tunes, British tunes, chord playing ensemble playing (by ear), and exercises."

April

Belgium:

Swedish Music Course for Violin and Nyckelharpa

Date: 28 April - 1 May 2017
Location: De Lindenpoorte, Korte Veldstraat 7, 8600 Esen (Diksmuide) (BE)
Teacher: Magnus Holmström

Twenty hours of music with Magnus Holmström for nyckelharpa and violin players, plus a surprising activity and of course jam sessions! All in the sympatic atmosphere of 'De Lindenpoorte' in Esen.

Germany:

Nyckelharpa Weekend in Altenmünster

Date: 28 - 30 April 2017
Location: Maria Ward Haus EpphishoferstraBe 18 86450 Altenmünster (DE)
Teacher: Markus Svensson (SE) and Johannes Mayr (DE)

Two parallel nyckelharpa courses will be given in Altenmünster: 

1. Beginners course by Johannes Mayr: By using simple melodies from different folk traditions and early music posture, bowing technique and fingering are taught. A limited number of loan instruments are available.

2. Swedish folk music on the nyckelharpa by Markus Svensson: The course is aimed at intermediate to advanced nyckelharpa players. Markus' repertoire is a mixture of music from Western Sweden, Uppland and Gotland.

More information and application: Johannes Mayr (e-mail).

The Netherlands:

Workshop weekend nyckelharpa

Website:  www.draailier-doedelzak.nl
Facebook: www.facebook.com/events/1669388766667664/
Date: 1-2 April 2017
Location: De Zonnewende, Esscheweg 78, 5271 NA, Sint-Michielsgestel (NL)
Teacher: Koen Vanmeerbeek

"Participants will taken a step further into nyckelharpa playing. During this course participants will examine for instance different playing techniques, styles and your position during playing. Koen will use melodies from Sweden, France, Belgium and new compositions to work on variations, ornamentation and the use of chords.
Koen plays the nyckelharpa since 1999. He followed courses by Didier François, Olov Johansson, Daniel Pettersson and Eléonore Billy. He works as a composer and plays violin and nyckelharpa in the band Dr. Eugène."

May


June

Sweden

Course at Ekebyholm for Nyckelharpa and Violin
Website: ...
Date: ... June 2017
Location: Ekebyholm Castle, 762 91 Rimbo (SE)
Teachers:

"Låtkursen på Ekebyholm startade 1976 med Eric Sahlström och Gösta Sandström som lärare. Varje år utser Eric Sahlströms Minnesfond några unga spelmän i åldrarna 13–20 år till stipendiater. Förutom en kursplats på Låtkursen på Ekebyholm är det en stor ära att bli utsedd till ”Sahlströmstipendiat” och hittills kan 100 personer titulera sig så! Många stipendiater kommer också tillbaka, både som kursdeltagare och som lärare."

July


August

Italy

Masterclasses Early Music and Nyckelharpa

Website: http://www.bertinoromusica.it/corsi/?page_id=23 
Date: ...-... August 2017
Location: Scuola Musicale Dante Alighieri, Via Colombarone, 325, Bertinoro FC (IT)
Teacher: Marco Ambrosini

"This masterclass is aimed at the more advanced nyckelharpa / viola d’amore a chiavi player and requires preparation using previously sent sheet music. It will be based on the resolution of the questions of performance of early music on our instrument; forming the sound, articulation, phrasing, consort play and vocal accompaniment will be the main subjects of this masterclass."

September


October

Germany:

13th International Days of the Nyckelharpa at Burg Fürsteneck

Website: www.nyckelharpa.burg-fuersteneck.de/nyckelharpa_eng.htm
Date: 5-9 October 2017
Location: Burg Fürsteneck, Am Schlossgarten 3, D-36132 Eiterfeld (DE)
Teachers: ...

The 14th International Days of the Nyckelharpa takes place from 6 to 9 October 2017 at Burg Fürsteneck in Eiterfeld, Germany. Several parallel workshops on different levels and subjects are offered. Plus: additional short workshops, nyckelharpa exhibition with many instrument makers, nyckelharpa conference, informal exchanges and play together.

November


December



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Thursday, 13 October 2016

13th International Days of the Nyckelharpa

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Every year in October the castle Burg Fürsteneck in central Germany is filled with nyckelharpa players from all over the world. They all come for the International Days of the Nyckelharpa where you can join continuous and short nyckelharpa workshops on different topics.

Quite often I heard people enthusiastically speaking about this annual event, but so far I'd never attended it, yet. After having played nyckelharpa for almost six years, it's definitely time to go there! Getting there did initially not go particularly smoothly due to car problems: instead of travelling for about 6 hours, it took almost 12 hours to get there... But wow, the weekend was definitely worth the long trip! Around 80 nyckelharpists from 13 different countries all crammed together into the medieval castle in Eiterfeld.

Workshop Didier François (Photo by Karsten Evers)
After the welcome speech and the introduction of all the wonderful teachers, the workshops started in the late evening. This years teachers were Ana Alcaide (ES), Marco Ambrosini (IT/DE), Jule Bauer (DE), David Eriksson (SE), Didier François (BE), Magnus Holmström (SE), Johannes Mayr (DE), and Annette Osann (FR). I had the privilege of taking part in the workshop given by Didier François on "Groovy arrangements and improvisations on European folk music". During his workshop many different aspects of playing were discussed: from improvisation techniques on scales and arpeggios to intrinsic motivation (f.e. the power of thinking positive). In the group we worked on a.o. blues and folk music from Macedonia, Bulgaria, Hungary and Bosnia - so different from the traditional Swedish folk music I normally play on nyckelharpa.

On Friday and Saturday afternoon everyone had the opportunity to take part in short workshops of about an hour, with the same or another teacher. I first took part in the short workshop by Marco Ambrosini on polyrythmical playing (like gamelan music from Indonesia). At first this polyrhythmical playing felt so unnatural, but at the same time very intriguing! Really fun to play together in this way! Next day I chose the short workshop by Ana Alcaide. She taught us two beautiful sephardic songs. Personally, I especially love the melody of Por que llorax blanca niña.

The surrounding landscape
For some fresh air and movement there was also enough opportunity during the lunch breaks. The weather was perfect for a delightful walk through the sunny fields of Eiterfeld. Dark blue clouds at the horizon gave even more autumnal colour to the beautiful hilly landscape.

Getting bored at Burg Fürsteneck is just impossible! Even in the evenings there's lot to do, see, play, listen, or people to meet. Friday evening started with the interesting Nyckelharpa Conference on recent developments. First Magnus Holmström discussed the in Sigtuna found object from the 12th century, which very likely might be a nyckelharpa key! Although many objects were discovered during the excavation besides the market, only one key was found, or preserved. I'm curious what a carbon dating will tell us more. Next Per-Ulf Allmo spoke about his newly written publication on the history of the nyckelharpa, titled 'Framlades then stora Nycklegijga: En avhandling om den svenska nyckelharpans tillkomst'. Although I haven't finished reading it yet, I can highly recommend his book. The book, though, is only published in Swedish but in time a summary in English (and probably also in German) will follow.

Teachers concert (Photo by Karsten Evers)
After another wonderful workshop day, the hall of the castle swiftly filled with visitors for the concert Saturday evening. The concert started with the participants of the European Nyckelharpa Training, from both the Italian as the German track. The second part of the concert was given by the teachers. Wow, the concert was sooo beautiful! During the whole event there was also a nice exhibition/forum for builders where you could try other instruments and bows. I was impressed by the beautiful snakewood bows made by the French bow maker Aurélie Georges. And of course, what's a music weekend without wonderful jam sessions until very, very late!? Learned some lovely new tunes there after midnight.

All by all, the International Days of the Nyckelharpa is a perfect event to learn more about the versatility of the instrument, try other nyckelharpa's and bows, listen and play beautiful music, and meet amazing people. Don't doubt, go there next year!

The final presentation of all workshop groups (Photo by Karsten Evers)


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