What is a Hardanger fiddle?
Q: What is a Hardanger fiddle?
A: A Hardanger fiddle, also known as a hardingfele in Norwegian, is a traditional string instrument used mainly in the south west of Norway. It is similar to the violin but has eight or nine strings and the wood is thinner.
Q: How are the strings on a Hardanger fiddle played?
A: Four of the strings are strung and played like a violin, while the other strings are sympathetic strings which vibrate when the others are played.
Q: What type of music is typically performed on a Hardanger fiddle?
A: The Hardingfele is traditionally used for dancing and was often used to lead bridal processions to church.
Q: What kind of decorations can be found on a Hardanger fiddle?
A: The instrument has many decorative features including carved animals or women's heads at the top of its pegbox, mother of pearl inlays in its tailpiece and fingerboard, and black ink decorations called 'rosing' on its body. Pieces of bone may also be used to decorate its pegs and edges.
Q: When was the earliest known Hardanger fiddle made?
A: The earliest known instrument dates back to 1651 although it is uncertain whether this date is correct. By 1850 it had developed into what we know today as the modern-day Hardanger fiddle.
Q: How can one tune their Hardanger Fiddle?
A: The tuning depends on what type of music will be played; there are many different ways one can tune their instrument depending on what they want to play.
Q: Who popularized Norwegian folk music with his compositions ?
A: Edvard Grieg popularized Norwegian folk music through his compositions; he wrote "Morning" for Peer Gynt with notes that would be played by a Hardingfele in mind .
