Nils Økland & Sigbjørn Apeland

Hardanger fiddler Nils Økland and keyboardist Sigbjørn Apeland perform music from their stunning album Glimmer.

Nils and Sigbjørn have been musical partners for thirty years. Nils is Norway’s most celebrated Hardanger player. The Hardanger’s plaintive, mourning sound carries the listener to the high mountains of Norway. Sigbjørn was educated as a classical church musician, with the organ as his main instrument. Combining improvisation and traditional music, he is known for using the harmonium in new ways.

Their new ECM Records release Glimmer takes Norwegian folk music as its starting point. The music features Sigbjørn’s collection of pieces from local singers who have helped to keep the traditions alive, alongside original compositions. The combination of Hardanger fiddle and harmonium is hugely evocative and exceptionally beautiful.