Folk Music and the Nordic Newcomers: 1st Generation Swedish Immigrants in the Upper MidwestDuring the mid to late 1800s, the Upper Midwest became the chosen homeland for thousands of Swedish immigrants, including some of the most skilled fiddlers from their villages before they departed for this new land.
Renee's presentation highlights the lives and musical heritage of many distinguished musicians, how their music adapted upon arrival in Minnesota, and how it has influenced the musical landscape of the upper-midwest. Back in the old country, these Swedish musicians' legacies live on and their favorite tunes continue to be played. Copyright © 2024 Renee Vaughan |
Hård Lars Larsson in MN Born 1822, Älvdalen Sweden. Died 1916 Beltrami County, Minnesota, USA Photo of Hård Lars Larsson found in "Spelmän, låtar och musik i Älvdalen" by Ragnar Forslund (1926-) Elfdalens hembygdsförening. 2006. Used with permission. This presentation is geared to libraries, festival workshops, students of all ages, cultural interest groups, community and historical centers.
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Enchanted Echoes: Tales ofNyckelharpa & Näcken Explore the rich folklore woven into Scandinavian Folk Music, including legends of the Näcken, a shapeshifting spirit with the power to enchant musicians and their instruments. Once enchanted, their music held the extraordinary ability to make chairs dance and stop waterfalls. Musicians themselves could cast spells at one another, necessitating protective measures like a trollpåse hidden in their instrument.
Discover the intriguing magic chart crafted by a Swedish musician in the mid 1800's, which connected musical keys with colors, seasons, and emotions. His fiddle and music book immigrated to Minnesota with his son in the late 1800's. Hear the tales and tunes for many Swedish folk classics like Hårgalåten and Balzar Jungfrun and more. Copyright © 2024 Renee Vaughan |
This presentation is geared to libraries, festival workshops, students of all ages, cultural interest groups, community and historical centers.
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Resonating Roots: The Nyckelharpa's Journey to the Upper Midwest: Instruments, Musicians and MakersThe Nyckelharpa has found a passionate following in the upper Midwest, particularly in Minnesota. But how did this cherished national folk instrument of Sweden make its way here?
With an unbroken tradition spanning over 700 years, a typical nyckelharpa today boasts 16 strings—three dedicated to melody, one drone string, and the remaining 12 as resonant strings, contributing to its distinctive rustic and ethereal sound. This presentation sheds light on the instrument's rich cultural significance, its journey to America, and the musicians and makers who continue to grow its legacy. Copyright © 2024 Renee Vaughan |
This presentation is geared to libraries, festival workshops, students of all ages, cultural interest groups, community and historical centers.
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Harmonizing Identities: The True Story of 1700's Nyckelharpist Maria Johansdotter/Magnus JohanssonMeet Maria Johansdotter: a pioneering transgender individual and talented nyckelharpist, who lived during the late 1600s and early 1700s in Finland and Sweden.
Upon her arrival in Stockholm as a young adult, Maria boldly performed on the nyckelharpa while dressed in trousers at local taverns, breaking two societal norms for women of their time. However, her most courageous act was her decision to live authentically as a man and assumed her new identity, Magnus Johansson. Despite facing scrutiny and persecution, Magnus remained unwavering in his passion for both music and women. This presentation showcases the remarkable journey of Maria Johansdotter and Magnus Johansson, along with a selection of their captivating tunes. Additionally, it explores significant events in trans history in Finland and Sweden. Copyright © 2024 Renee Vaughan |
This presentation is geared to libraries, festival workshops, students of all ages, cultural interest groups, community and historical centers.
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