Inger Hannisdal – Free Folk (Fiol Rec., 2023)
Violinist Inger Hannisdal released her solo album, Free Folk, on June 9, 2023. It follows her Norwegian award-winning debut, North South East West, which featured an ensemble. Unlike her previous work, Free Folk is a solo effort, utilizing a prepared violin equipped with various metal objects to create acoustic effects. The album spans a range of sounds, from metallic and industrial tones to ethereal, flute-like melodies. Hannisdal contrasts traditional and prepared strings, producing a mix of clarity and opacity, evoking tones reminiscent of water.
Drawing on contemporary music, free improvisation, and traditional fiddle styles, Free Folk retains a strong traditional folk influence. Tracks such as “Lokk,” “Melody,” and the title track highlight Norwegian folk elements, while “Fauna” reflects Hannisdal’s background in Middle Eastern music. The album begins with the tranquil “River” but transitions into darker, more experimental tracks like “Melody,” “River II/Turbines,” and “Space,” where Hannisdal expands the violin’s sonic range through extended techniques.
Themes of nature and rivers run through the album, inspired by Akerselva, a river that flows through Oslo. Norwegian folklore links rivers to the violin, with myths suggesting water creatures like nøkken and fossegrimmen teach the instrument. This inspiration is reflected in Hannisdal’s compositions, where the violin imitates the flowing sounds of water.
The album was recorded at NOTAM in Oslo, mixed and mastered by Cato Langnes, with cover art by Lebanese artist Karen Keyrouz. It is released by Hannisdal’s label, Fiol Rec.
Born in 1991 in Oslo, Inger Hannisdal is a Norwegian violinist, composer, and improviser known for combining folk music with contemporary and experimental elements. She studied Arabic music at Université Antonine in Lebanon and has performed with various Middle Eastern ensembles, including the Syrian folk band Assa’aleek. Hannisdal’s work emphasizes microtonality and melody, mixing Norwegian and Middle Eastern musical traditions with experimental techniques.
Buy Free Folk.
Author: Sonia Keller
