|
Viking & Pre-Viking Music: Old & New
See Folk Dance Music and post-Viking instruments on our Scandinavian Culture page Viking Style String Instruments & Drums with Sample Music (below) Viking Style Horn Instruments and Sample Music (below) Bands featuring Viking Style music (below) Viking TV Show Youtubes (below)
TEXT COLOR GUIDE TO MUSIC STYLES: Note that lyrics for many Wardruna songs (including Vikings series songs, can be found at AZLyrics.com
Blending Old and New - Examples: Ragnar Leaving Kattegat, Farewell Song - featuring Vikings Co-Composer Einar Selvik, Vocal and Hand Drum, plus a bit of Bukkehorn (goat horn) - 2016 from the Vikings TV Series S4 E6
**
Einar Selvik of Wardruna - brilliant historian and co-composer of Vikings TV Series soundtrack) at Vikingskiphuset Oslo 2016 - in Concert at Viking Ship Museum, Oslo ** * Fehu by Ivar Bjørnson & Einar Selvik with mixed band (not Wardruna) - Recorded live at Moster Amfi, Norway as part of Nordvegen - Bergen International Festival 2018 An example of Einar Selvik (Wardruna) expanding the limits of traditional Viking instruments (Lyre, drums, Bukkehorn) and ancient Scandinavian and Icelandic Saga subjects for Vocals and Chants, with Keyboard, "fiddle" and electric guitar, plus amps, to modernize the sound. Einar and others are creating an exciting new sound that has become popular in Scandinavia and the Baltic following the hit TV series Vikings soundtrack, which Einar co-wrote. Youtube 2019 ** * Helvegen live - Wardruna and (guest vocalist) Aurora Song from Wardruna album Runaljod - Gap Var Ginnunga (2009) used in the Vikings TV series. "Helvegen is a song about death, dying and remembering those who have passed, About crossing over and about letting go - based on Viking Icelandic Sagas. It is a song about searching for lost songs and old traditions." - very emotional rendition with drums, horn... worth watching. Helvegen - Wardruna - Youtube with written lyrics in English - lyrics were based on Viking Icelandic Sagas Includes visual slideshow of Nordic forest scenes. LIVE: ** * Algir - Tognatale -Wardruna LIVE at Logen, 2011 from their album Runaljod – gap var Ginnunga (Song used in Vikings TV Series). Heavy drums, male & female vocals, Hardanger fiddle, Video of Wardruna performing the song 'Algir - Tognatale' at Logen in Bergen, Norway on August 24, 2011.
or Online Video Production:
** *
Wardruna - Raido - Raidô - "ride, journey" is the reconstructed Proto-Germanic name of the r- rune of the Elder Futhark (dictionary.com). ** * Heim til Yggdrasil by Ivar Bjørnson & Einar Selvik - emphasis on vocal song performed by Einar Selvik, with Tagelharpa, heavy drums, acoustic guitar, keyboard, Hardanger fiddle, piano. Ivar Bjørnson & Einar Selvik with band, performing an amplified acoustic version of the Enslaved song "Return to Yggdrasill", with lyrics in Norwegian translated by Einar Selvik as "Heim til Yggdrasil". Recorded live at Moster Amfi, Norway as part of Nordvegen - Bergen International Festival 2018 - Youtube 2019
Note: The following is a "Heavy" song based on a Nordic Skaldic style "philosophy" - be sure to READ the English Translation. The music is powerful, but it also feelingly captures the Nordic poetry of a harsh land. For the full heavy "Norsemen" band effect, listen to the LIVE performance following. Kvervandi - album Skuggsjá - performed by Ivar Bjørnson of Enslaved and Einar Selvik'of Wardruna (co-composer for Vikings TV Series) - (about death from every life & life from every death) - Youtube with English Lyrics in video, and beautiful Nordic Scenery visuals 2017. Great HEAVY but emotional song. ** Kvervandi by Ivar Bjørnson & Einar Selvik of Wardruna (and Vikings series co-composer) - Recorded LIVE in Kraków at Klub Studio, February 2nd 2019.
** *
Wardruna - Rotlaust tre fell (The Rootless Tree Falls)
- from album Runaljod - Yggdrasil 2013 - LIVE in Moscow 2019
** *Using a full orchestra plus Viking era instruments: (song from Vikings TV Show"
Viking and Pre-Viking Scandinavian **Vikings Composer Einar Selvik (co-composer of the music of the Vikings TV Series) on How He Makes the Show's Authentic Nordic Music. He discusses the Bukkehorn (goat horn), the Tagelharpa (early harp with horsehair strings on bow), and Lyre (small hand held harp) and plays sample tunes. ** Einar Selvik - Ár var alda - Vocal and Acoustic song version using a Tagelharpa (early harp with horsehair strings on bow). Einar gives an introductory presentation about the Tagelharpa, and explains its history and the differences in the number of strings in these horsehair bow instruments from various countries. Youtube 2016
**
Einar Selvik (of Wardruna & co-composer of Vikings TV Series soundtrack) - at Vikingskiphuset Oslo December 20th, 2016 LIVE in Concert at Viking Ship Museum, Oslo. 4 songs using amplified Viking-style instruments: 1) Ár var alda ("Song about Magic") vocal accompanied by Tagelharpa 2) with Bukkehorn 3) Vocal & LyreLyre - all accoustic with amplifier. ** Vikings - Ragnar Leaving Kattegat, Farewell Song - Vikings Composer Einar Selvik Vocal and Hand Drum - 2016 from the Vikings TV Series -series 4, episode 6 Einar Selvik - Ragnar Lodbrok death song Einar Selvik - vocal and Lyre - acoustic performance and discussion at The Nordic House, Reykjavik. 24.09.2016 Einar Selvik (Wardruna) - Völuspá - Skaldic (acoustic) version -Live in Boulder, Colorado on 9-22-2018 Einar Selvik - Völuspá ("The Propheys of the Seeress") - acoustic Vocal and Lyre. Einar Selvik performance at The Nordic House, Reykjavik. 24.09.2016 - He also discusses Viking beliefs and philosophies gleaned from the Sagas. Wardruna - Voluspá - - Skaldic (acoustic) version - Video Production with Einar Selvik performing vocal with Lyre - with wolves and forest visuals. Einar Selvik - Sowelu - Einar Selvik acoustic performance (vocal and Tagelharpa) at The Nordic House, Reykjavik. 24.09.2016 Wardruna - Sowelu (with Norwegian Lyrics) - (HD Quality) - Album cut, with Family style vocals mixed with heavy chant and very heavy drums. Unusual. Rauno Nieminen - Kolmen karvan kakkunassi - 2019 Youtube. He demonstrates some licks and a fun foot-tapping dance-style tune on the Talharpa (Tagelharpa) Einar Selvik - Helvegen - Einar Selvik acoustic performance - vocal and Tagelharpa at The Nordic House, Reykjavik. 24.09.2016 Wardruna - Helvegen (Skaldic Version) - acoustic Vocal and Taggelharpa version by Einar Selvik from Album: Skald (2018) - album audio only version Mahogany Tagelharpa - Short Manufacturer's video to introduce you one of their mahogany tagelharpa model. Good closeup views of how it is played. (2019 marketing demo by mfr.) Rauno Nieminen - Ralli - lengthy performance (2 fiddle-style dance songs) where this Finnish musician shows off his skill in playing the Talharpa (Tagelharpa). Two Jouhikko Solos (Rauno Nieminen) - Two Finnish Jouhikko (bowed lyre) solos performed by Finnish multi-instrumentalist and composer Rauno Nieminen. Youtube 2017 shows an image of variations of the instrument (similar to Tagelharpa). Jouhikko Kuby - "Tradycyjna lira smyczkowa z Finlandii" - Traditional string lyre from Finland - translated from Polish (like Tagelharpa) - Playing Wardruna song in his workshop on the instrument he has made himself! Einar Selvik Poznań 4.03.2017 Cały koncert HD - Live 1-1/2 hour acoustic concert and informative dialogue in which he sings accompanied by his Lyre, Bukkehorn (goat horn), and Tagelharpa (horsehair harp). Note: Songs are Concert quality (amplified & HD) versions of the above songs performed at Reykjavik 2016). After each song, he provides a fascinating explanation of his thoughts for composing using historical instruments, and insights into Runes and Viking and Pre-Viking traditions, including references to Beowulf, etc. He provides enlightening insights as to what current theories are based on fact, which are made up, and which are based on analyses of known tidbits.
Viking and Pre-Viking Scandinavian Einar Selvik - traditional Horns - Einar Selvik performance at The Nordic House, Reykjavik. 24.09.2016. He includes an exellent presentation of the history and usage of 2 types Viking/Pre-Viking horn styles, explaining there use, then playing example music. Einar Selvik playing an Icelandic song with a Bukkehorn (Goat Horn) - Youtube filmed in Icelandic Valley 2018 Einar Selvik - Blue Note Poznań - goat horn Excellent Youtube of Concert quality live acoustic performance 2017 The Bukkehorn: Viking Scandinavian Norwegian Instrument The Bukkehorn: An ancient Viking/Scandinavian instrument used for scaring off predators from the flocks.
Viking-Based Modern "Amplified Viking Sound" or "Heavy" Viking Theme Music Videos featuring Einar Selvik and Wardruna Blue text = basically amped acoustics; Green text are heavier drums or chants. Wear earphones for better sound and to avoid disturbing those around you - some is very heavy stuff - great for getting "pumped up" about a project, exercise..., but may disturb your dull roommates!!) ** * Fehu by Ivar Bjørnson & Einar Selvik with band - Recorded live at Moster Amfi, Norway as part of Nordvegen - Bergen International Festival 2018 An example of Einar Selvik (Wardruna) expanding the limits of traditional viking instruments (Lyre, drums, Bukkehorn) and ancient Scandinavian and Icelandic Saga subjects for Vocals and Chants, with Keyboard, "fiddle" and electric guitar, plus amps, to modernize the sound. Einar and others are creating an exciting new sound that has become popular in Scandinavia and the Baltic following the hit TV series Vikings soundtrack, which Einar co-wrote. Youtube 2019 ** * Wardruna - Raido - Raidô = "ride, journey" is the reconstructed Proto-Germanic name of the r- rune of the Elder Futhark (dictionary.com). Music video for ‘Raido’ Directed by Tuukka Koski, Koski Syväri. Youtube 2016. Note: Be sure to read the English translated Lyrics while you Listen! ("Dark clouds drift within..") English and Original Norwegian Lyrics below, under "show more" ** * Vikings Soundtrack Cut - Einar Selvik with Wardruna - Völuspá Heavy! This version really emphasizes heavy drums - Music to Move by! Völuspá - Einar Selvik - Live at Castlefest Winter Edition, in which he explains the Saga background for the song. Einar Selvik (Wardruna) - Völuspá - Skaldic (acoustic) version -Live in Boulder, Colorado on 9-22-2018 Wardruna - Voluspá - Skaldic (acoustic) version - solo male vocal featuring Einar Selvik with acoustic Lyre - (Acoustic version of above song from series soundtrack.) Full Video Production with Einar Selvik performing with forest and wolf visuals. ** Helvegen live Wardruna and Aurora (very emotional rendition worth watching) "Helvegen (here featuring Aurora) is a song about death, dying and remembering those who have passed. About crossing over and about letting go. It is a song about searching for lost songs and old traditions." (Be sure to read th English translation of the Lyrics at the bottom (Show More) of the Youtube page! -Webmaster) ** Vikings soundtrack: Helvegen ("The way to Hel" by Wardruna - no visuals, just Viking Sountrack cover ** Vikings - Helvegen - Original songtrack but with video edited by Youtube submitter - showing non-violent clips from the Vikings TV Series "No blood, no battles, no violence. Just a peaceful video about departures and homecomings of the northmen" WELL DONE! Wardruna - Helvegen (Live) Wardruna performing 'Helvegen' from their upcoming 'Yggdrasil' album for the first time at Castlefest in Lisse, Netherlands on August 2, 2012. Helvegen - Wardruna - (with written lyrics in English) Includes visual slideshow of Nordic forest scenes. Wardruna - Helvegen (Skaldic/ACOUSTIC Version) - acoustic Vocal and Taggelharpa version by Einar Selvik from Wardruna album Skald (2018) Wardruna - songs NaudiR & Helvegen live at Sentrum Scene, Oslo, Norway - Wardruna performing NaudiR and Helvegen from "Runaljod - Yggdrasil" (released 2013) live at Sentrum Scene, Oslo, Norway 21.01.2017 together with Skarvebarna. - Heavy drums! - 2017 Youtube Note: The following is a very "Heavy" song based on a Nordic Skaldic style "philosophy" - be sure to READ the English Translation. The music is harsh, but it also feelingly captures the Nordic poetry of a harsh land. For the full "Norsemen" effect, listen to the LIVE performance following. Per "Album Wiki" Skuggsjá (album) was a Norwegian musical project by Ivar Bjørnson and Einar Selvik, arranged to be performed by Enslaved and Wardruna. It was originally initiated as a commissioned concert piece for the 200th anniversary of the Norwegian Constitution, and premiered in September 2014 at the Eidsivablot festival, Eidsvoll (where the constitution was written). Kvervandi - album Skuggsjá - performed by Ivar Bjørnson of Enslaved and Einar Selvik'of Wardruna (co-composer for Vikings TV Series) - (about death from every life & life from every death) - Youtube with English Lyrics in video, and beautiful Nordic Scenery visuals 2017. Great HEAVY but emotional song. ** Kvervandi by Ivar Bjørnson & Einar Selvik of Wardruna (and Vikings series co-composer) - Recorded LIVE in Kraków at Klub Studio, February 2nd 2019. ** * Heim til Yggdrasil by Ivar Bjørnson & Einar Selvik - emphasis on vocal song performed by Einar Selvik, with Tagelharpa, heavy drums, acoustic guitar, keyboard, Hardanger fiddle, piano. Ivar Bjørnson & Einar Selvik with band, performing an amplified acoustic version of the Enslaved song "Return to Yggdrasill", with lyrics in Norwegian translated by Einar Selvik as "Heim til Yggdrasil". Recorded live at Moster Amfi, Norway as part of Nordvegen - Bergen International Festival 2018 - Youtube 2019 ** * Algir - Tognatale -Wardruna LIVE at Logen, 2011 from their album Runaljod – gap var Ginnunga (Song used in Vikings TV Series). Heavy drums, male & female vocals, Hardanger fiddle, Video of Wardruna performing the song 'Algir - Tognatale' at Logen in Bergen, Norway on August 24, 2011. ** * Wardruna Algir-tognatale from their album Runaljod – gap var Ginnunga. (Song used in Vikings TV Series) Youtube with pictures of Ravens and Norwegian woodlands. * Wardruna - Grá (Grey - for wolf...) Einar Selvik is on heavy Viking/Pre-Viking drums (he was the drummer for an earlier band) and vocal song, accompanied by female chant (Native American sound); Live staged video production features a superimposed wolf. Youtube 2020.
** *
Wardruna - Rotlaust tre fell (The Rootless Tree Falls)
- from album Runaljod - Yggdrasil 2013 - Live in Moscow 2019 Wulthur by Ivar Bjørnson & Einar Selvik - in concert featuring Einar on vocals and Bukkehorn (goat horn) with Ivar on acoustic guitar, and band including Hardanger fiddle/ Recorded live in Kraków at Klub Studio, February 2nd 2019. Wardruna - songs NaudiR & Helvegen LIVE at Sentrum Scene, Oslo, Norway - Wardruna performing NaudiR and Helvegen from "Runaljod - Yggdrasil" album released 2013 - (both used in Vikings TV Series) live at Sentrum Scene, Oslo, Norway 21.01.2017 together with Skarvebarna. - 2017 Youtube * Wardruna - Odal (with Norwegian printed Lyrics) - (HD Quality) - Heavy Amplified Viking Style drums then kids' chant/talk; includes bukkehorn (goat horn) and very heavy drum beat background. His children are part of the family chant! "Energizing/Pump Up" music. Wardruna - Bjarkan, Løyndomsriss, Heimta Thurs and Thurs (all used in Vikings TV Series) LIVE at Tivoli Utrecht - Nov 19 2016 at Pandora Tivoli Vredenburg Heavy Amplified Viking Style with heavy drums, Tagelharpa, Bukkehorn, Hardanger fiddle, vocals, male & female chant (a bit of a Native American style). * Wardruna - Hagall Heavy Amplified Viking Style with VERY heavy drums, chant, pipe, Tagelharpa, Hardanger fiddle- VERY heavy song (tribal) - from their 1st 2009 Album Album: Runaljod - Gap Var Ginnunga. Good "Energizing/Pump Up" music. Wardruna - Wunjo (2016 Album Runaljod - Ragnarok) - Unusual "family style" chant with children & men in Heavy Amplified Viking Style, with Tagelharpa, and heavy drum, Hardanger fiddle, pipe, and orchestral background. Kati Rán (song) - by Suurin (Finnish group featuring female musicians) LIVE at Midgardsblot 2016, Situated in Horten, at the Historical Centre in Vestfold, Norway. Viking Heavy Metal-style FEMALE based group with vocals, heavy drums, ?Nickelharpa, Hardanger fiddle. Lagertha - The Greatest Wolf - above Kati Rán (song) - Suurin (Finnish group featuring female musicians) with video cuts of Lagertha in the Vikings TV series (song was not in actual Vikings show) Drums of Drakkar vikings and medieval music by AmoebaCrew? - Youtube of drums with viking ships image 2019 Fólkvangr - album Völur by Australian composer Peter Gundry modern "Pseudo-Viking Orchestral" (i.e. modern style orchestral, not focused on mostly Viking instruments) with female vocalist and Viking style drums - is that an accordian? (instruments not listed on Youtube)
Want to hear more Modern Viking Style Music? Fimbul Radio (Live Viking Music 24/7) Live "Viking Music" Radio is a free stream playing live Viking music, Dark Ambient and Nordic Folk music 24/7.
Viking TV Series Music Videos Vikings TV Series Intro Video Theme Song If I had a Heart HD Viking Intro Theme Song (If I Had A Heart) Version with distinguishable lyrics that also shows written lyrics in English. Vikings - Ragnar Leaving Kattegat, Farewell Song Video and Audio clip - Vikings Co-Composer Einar Selvik performing Vocal and Hand Drum - 2016 from the Vikings TV Series -series 4, episode 6 Wardruna - Ár Var Alda 2013 from album Runaljod – gap var Ginnunga - Vikings TV Series - Tagelharpa with Viking drum, chant, and horn accompaniment ** * Wardruna - Solringen with written Lyrics in Norwegian and English Current Norwegian group Wardruna (did Vikings series soundtracks) with heavy Viking style music. This version is a bit lighter, and with great Norway Scenic visuals. Vikings - "Axe Time" (compiled video) - using Wardruna's album cut Solringen Song from Vikings soundtrack with scenes from the battle of Paris - visuals are VERY VIOLENT CLIPS from the Vikings TV Series, not for the squeamish. (see other Soundtrack versions without graphics for the "moving" song itself, for great background music while running or doing a task - Webmaster) Wardruna – Völuspá Викинги - song used in Vikings TV Series - Original soundtrack version of war song with Video Clips of Show, some violent (video created by Youtube submitter). Einar Selvik in concert with orchestra at the Krakow, Poland 2015 Music Festival "The performance of Trevor Morris’ and Einar Selvik’s co-composed "Vikings Suite” was one of the most electrifying moments of the International TV Series Gala at 8th Krakow Film Music Festival. The orchestra Sinfonietta Cracovia, Polish Radio Choir and extraordinary soloists Einar Selvik (series co-composer) and Tina Guo were led by the orchestral composer himself who conducted the suite.
"Vikings" Soundtrack (partial) (all used in Vikings TV Series)
(48 minute Youtube) |
