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If it is not the largest collection of fiddles,
... then at least one of the largest with the older types of fiddle .
The Hardanger fiddle is given high priority by Hardanger Folk Museum.
As a fiddler, of course I find that fortunately.
There’s a need to give new attention to the instrument and ...
... maintain the whole tradition, and ...
... promote it to new generations.
-What separates the Hardanger fiddle from other fiddles?
-Well, as we know her ...
she has underlying strings, ie strings of resonance.
In addition to the four melody strings at the top,
... she has a different number of these substrings,
... that passively vibrate when played.
- Most stringed instruments in England and Europe ...
... were in the Baroque period equipped with such.
But later the fashion of substrings vanished,
... except for remaining on these instruments here.
So here it has been in use until today.
-But the principle of the fiddle is unchanged since the 1600s?
-Yes, it has ... -What has happened in the last 200 years, then?
-Well, the fiddle have changed in shape.
The oldest fiddles are much shorter,
... and ligther, i guess.
Today's Hardanger fiddle has a size more similar to that of a violin.
We are so fortunate no, having our own fiddler ...
... from the town Odda, named Arne Jordan.
He has been a musician for a lifetime,
... and has been very interested in building fiddles too.
-Lovely. You say she ... it is female?
-A fiddle, yes. -Right, it would be strange otherwise.
-The plan is to cooperate with the museum.
In the sense that they are interested in having a living environment here ...
... with a fiddle repair guy and service,
... connected to the fine collection here.
Furthermore it's a very nice place to meet them and for people to leave their instruments here.
So they are kept in a safe place,
... and I can get a close look at them.
The idea is that we will take care of service and general, minor repairs here.
-I dare say that the Hardanger without a fiddle maker,
... sounds a little ragged. There must be skilful people around.
-Yes, it is indeed required.
There are hopes that more young people will walk down this road.
For a start, being able to provide qualified service and to keep the fiddles in working order.
When it comes to recruitment we are very lucky in Hardanger.
It's a lot attending.
All the municipalities offer fiddle lessons.
It adds up to about 40-50 pupils in this region.
So tonight, the junior fiddlers practice.
Normally we are a group of 20-25.
Young people -boys and girls- from eight to fourteen of age,
... rehearsing a joint program.
-The Hardanger Fiddle is taught the old way,
... it is done on a one to one level. Master and pupil.
The idea is ... well, this is not only for the Hardanger Fiddle,
... the method is used in folk music in general in Norway.
-Your relationship to the Hardanger Fiddle, what is it like?
-The word passion is to put it mildly, it is now both my hobby and livelihood.
I think about it ... I guess carry it within me 24 hours a day, in a way.
In one way or another .
You never reach your goal, so it’s like a never ending search.