Engegård Quartet – Haugelåt (2024)
Known for their classical repertoire, the insatiable musical ensemble Engegård Quartet captivates audiences across the globe. Masterful and brimming with excellence, the foursome have been described as breathing, emotional, enchanting and compelling. From Mozart and Shubert to traditional folk, Engegård Quartet are quickly becoming one of the most popular ensembles in the classical world.
Demonstrating their talent to bring Norwegian folk music to a classical audience, Engegård Quartet enter 2024 with a five-part series of videos playing traditional folk. The fourth video in the set, ‘Haugelåt’ follows ‘En smuk aftensang (arranged from string quartet by Bjørn Andor Darage), ‘Skotsk fra Lom (arranged for string quartet by Engegård Quartet)’, and ‘Joik Suite (arranged for string quartet by Engegård Quartet)’.
Arranged by Nils Anders Mortensen, ‘Haugelåt’ combines the upbeat energy of ‘Skotsk fra Lom’ with the languid tranquillity of ‘En smuk aftensang’ and ‘Joik Suite’. One of the more narrative pieces in the set, ‘Haugelåt’ not only tells the story but lifts your emotions as it carries you through the tale. Embarking on the traditional tale of a “forlorn farmer looking for his bull and eventually falls asleep when he is visited by a damsel who not only knows where the bull can be found but also promises a happy future.”
The dance was originally written by Johan Halvorsen from the legendary fiddler Knut Dale in the early 20th century. The transcription was used by Edvard Grieg as the basis for his renowned Slåtter Opus 72 arranged for the piano. In this recording, Nils Anders Mortensen arranged a combination of the traditional folk dance and Grieg’s Opus 72 connecting light-hearted folk with a poignant classical string arrangement.
While the folk dance might collide with the Opus, a harmonic connection exudes a heart-warming joviality. Opening with an upbeat folk tune, the fiddles embrace the farmer’s happiness before undergoing the search for his bull. An interspersed cello enters adding classical grace before the full ensemble slips into the Opus – quickly embracing the hapless sleep and mystical vision. Yet, as we drift on a cloud of strings, the farmer quickly returns to his search with a speedier cheer of folk.
Whether he finds the bull or not, ‘Haugelåt’ is a tantalising piece carrying you through merriness, despair, ethereal bliss, languid confusion and hopeful promises.
In addition to the single, Engegård Quartet released an official music video for ‘Haugelåt’. You can view the video below or on their YouTube channel.
Find out more about Engegård Quartet on their official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
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