Margits sånger - English rewies
These songs are from the rich legacy of the Norwegian folksinger Margit Finnekåsa (1904 – 1989), recorded by Knut Buen. Maria was introduced to Margit’s recordings in 1999: ”I was overwhelmed by Margit’s voice and expression, and I felt deeply at home with the lyrics and music of the songs. Margit’s way of singing made a deep impression on me and made me want to turn the songs into my own.” At last, after eight long years, she finally managed to record her interpretations of Margit’s songs together with Olof Misgeld, violin and Olle Lindvall, guitar. Maria has translated and arranged the lyrics in Swedish, and she has written a few more verses to some of the songs.
”Many years have passed since Margit learnt the songs from her godmother ande her father, but it seems that nothing has really changed – man’s yearning for love remains as strong today, both in the songs and in real life. For having the honor to sing these songs I humbly express my gratitude and joy, and I can’t help but wonder who will sing them a hundred years from now. He who lives will see…!”
Maria Misgeld
CD-Reviews-Margits sånger, Sjelvar 2008
"Here we have a Swedish vocalist and two accompanying musicians applying their considerable talents to the repertoire of a Norwegian singer Margit Finnekåsa (1904-1989), who was recorded by the great Hardanger fiddler Knut Buen. Maria Misgeld has translated the songs into Swedish and in some cases written new verses. How well she does those things is beyond this writer’s ability to judge, but she certainly sings the songs beautifully, and Olof Misgeld and Olle Lindvall contribute really excellent accompaniment on guitar, violin and viola. They also add occasional harmony singing. Actually, even though Maria Misgeld is an excellent singer who holds our attention effortlessly, the arrangements are so striking that it's the overall effect that makes the deepest impression. Often the accompanists play counterpoint lines that are anything but obvious, and the harmonic sense is so advanced that even lovers of modern classical music or jazz might be impressed. But these “modern” elements are implied in the tradition, as groups like Frifot have clearly demonstrated.
Margits sånger has its own unique way with this exciting approach, and it works to perfection here. One of the best folk records this writer has heard in quite a while."
Duck Baker (London, England)
Dirty Linen #138 oct/nov 2008
The songs from this album are from the legacy of the Norwegian singer Margit Finnek˚sa (1904-1989). Swedish singer Maria Misgeld was that fascinated by the song material and Margit's singing that she decided to record her own album of interpretations of Margit's songs. Maria translated and arranged the songs into Swedish and added the odd verse to some of the songs.
This is a quiet and warm album of songs with beautiful Swedish lyrics, stylistically clearly Scandinavian trad. The instrumental arrangements are appropriately sparse, featuring guitar and fiddles only. An enjoyable, calming album.
www.myspace.com/margits/; www.sjelvar.com
Michael Moll
FolkWorld Issue 35 02/2008
The first thing you will notice about this CD is that everything is in Swedish, including the CD booklet. The lyrics are translations from those of the Norwegian folksinger Margit Finnekasa (1904-1989), although that will not matter to most of us who do not speak either language.
It is too bad that most English listeners will not know what the songs are about, since this is a pretty good CD. Maria Misgeld has a clear, trained voice that is direct and not overly mannered. Olaf Misgeld on violin and viola and Olle Lindvall on guitar add sympathetic and warm accompaniment that at times sounds a bit classical. It is spare but effective. Both men also contribute occasional vocal harmonies.
There is a bit of a mysterious air to much of the music and it is often melancholy, features that are not uncommon in Norwegian folk music. Even if you do not understand the words, you can appreciate the ethereal nature of the 16 songs presented here.
Rambles-net