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Arts and Crafts |   Food of the Vikings  | Social Structure of the Vikings | Music

Music of Norway

(click on Links in the left column and you'll see a link to Midi's for Medieval and Renaissance Music)

Music has long been a tradition of Norway as proven by bronze horns dating back to 1500 - 500 BC, to the Skaldic Poems and Carvings found on the stave churches. The Middle Ages show that the music of Norway closely resembled musical traditions found in Central Europe. Gregorian melodies, used in the worship of Norway's patron saint, St. Olaf, have many similarities with those of the Parisian school of the 1200s. Of more genuine Norwegian origin is the St. Magnus hymn from the Orkney Islands, a Norwegian possession in the mid 13th century.

Early musical instruments that have been found include: a 10th Century Bone Flute (found at Birka), a 10th Century Wooden Set of Pan Pipes (found at York), and a 9th Century Amber Bridge from an unknown six stringed instrument (found at Broa). Harps have been mentioned in various literature sources such as; the Viglundar Saga, Jokuls pattur Buasonar,  Atlakvida, an Voluspa.. Earl Rognvaldr Kali Kolsson claimed to have mastered music and verse in the Orkneyinga Saga. and in Morkinskinna King Haraldr hardadoi cclaims to have mastered harp-playing and poetry.

In the year 1380 Norway came under Danish rule. Without a monarchy, a royal house, or a nobility of its own, it was difficult for Norway to benefit, in the ensuing 450 years, from any of the higher forms of music encouraged in such circles. Nevertheless, in the country's ecclesiastical centres music still played a significant role, and through the custom of town musicians the towns and their immediate surroundings were provided with music for both everyday and festive occasions. In the country districts folk music unfolded freely. 

The first known composers dated from the beginning of the 1700s. They were both Norwegian and foreign organists and town musicians, who in addition to music for dancing, also composed chamber music and cantatas; and in some cases instrumental music for sizeable ensembles.

The following links are to sites with information regarding music or/and musical instruments of the Middle Ages, not to be confused with the links I will be adding to the Arts & Sciences of the SCA page on pursuing Music in the SCA. The following are for historical reference.