Svøbsk – Sorgenfri (GO’ Danish Folk Music GO1223, 2023)
Two decades ago, Maren Hallberg Larsen and Jørgen Dickmeiss graced the stage for their inaugural public performances, introducing themselves as Svøbsk. Their enchanting melodies resonated in Greenland, Bornholm, Aarhus, and various other venues on their native isle of Funen (DK). Since then, an abundance of musical expeditions has unfolded within Svøbsk’s artistic journey, primarily encompassing their homeland, as well as extending their musical footprint across Europe, India, and Canada.
Maren Hallberg Larsen and Jørgen Dickmeiss, both virtuoso fiddlers, also lead intertwined lives as a devoted couple. Their performance manifests a deep-seated connection reminiscent of the traditional couple dance from which they derive their name, having honed their empathetic interplay over the past fifteen years.
The foundation of their partnership was laid during their encounters at the folk music program at the Odense Conservatory, where they both pursued their studies. Maren, an accomplished musician, has additionally obtained a master’s degree in classical accordion, while Jørgen has attained the prestigious title of a silver-plated Danish national fiddler (“Danish rigsspillemand”).
In this commemorative year, Svøbsk unveils their latest opus, “Sorgenfri.” Reflecting upon their two-decade-long odyssey, they affirm, “We have steadfastly embraced a path of audacious exploration, immersing ourselves wholeheartedly in the musical realm. Our enduring concept has proven to be a sustainable vessel, skillfully navigating the delicate balance between honoring the heritage of past fiddlers and cultivating innovation. Through this milestone album, we return to our origin, reminiscent of our debut release, where two musicians converge around a shared passion, bound together by a shared destiny.”
Over the years, Svøbsk has enjoyed the privilege of collaborating with numerous exceptional musical talents, most notably Simon Busk and Theis Langlands, who contributed their artistry to the Svøbsk Quartet.
Svøbsk, in both its Duo and Quartet configurations, has embarked on a remarkable journey, encompassing the release of a remarkable array of albums and a multitude of captivating performances held annually at clubs, festivals, churches, libraries, and schools. Their melodic virtuosity has resonated across diverse landscapes, with concert tours spanning Greenland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Canada, Finland, Poland, Austria, Scotland, and Germany.
Svøbsk includes Maren Hallberg on accordion and Jørgen Dickmeiss on violin and viola.
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Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.