TUNES & TRADS
10 years of exploring the musical roots of Scandinavia through the string quartet
2014-2024
Being part of the Danish String Quartet feels like a musical adventure. We're four friends who've always had a soft spot for all types of music. Two of us have deep roots in northern traditional music, which we eagerly explored in our early days. As we came together to form the quartet, these folk melodies naturally blended into our rehearsals. We were experimenting with lots of different tunes, each of us adding a personal touch. This evolved into a serious endeavor over time. Our skills sharpened, our arrangements grew in depth, and by 2014, we felt ready to go to the recording studio. That's when 'Wood Works' was born, a milestone that deeply intertwined folk music with our artistic journey. From that day forward, these tunes has not just been a part of our repertoire, but an important element of our identity as musicians.
The journey didn't stop there. In 2017, we released 'Last Leaf', another album with tunes from the North. We also made all the arrangements public, and it's been incredible to see how many of you have given these tunes new life, playing them all around the world. Your interpretations have added new dimensions to our music, and for that, we are immensely grateful. Take a look at the map below to explore some of these amazing renditions.
To celebrate a decade of this musical journey, this year will see the release of our third album on ECM accompanied by new sheet music material. Alongside this, we are excited to announce several concerts across Europe and North America with both old and new material. We hope to see you there!
Explore some of the various renditions you all have contributed! Keep them coming! Click on the markers for additional information and links to the videos.
Please send any new video recordings to danishquartet@gmail.com, and we'll make sure to include them on the map!
Tunes & Trads - related events 2024
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NEW ALBUM
Spring 2024
This Spring, anticipate the release of our third folk music album on ECM Records. Brace for fresh new arrangements and compositions as we set on a more Western course, featuring melodies from Ireland and England in addition to the music from home.
Exciting news: all the material will be available as sheet music too! Visit our webshop by clicking the link below.
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FOLKETS FESTIVAL
May 4th
We are happy to join Dreamers' Circus’ and VEGA's one-day festival in Copenhagen, Folkets Festival! Catch us performing a full set of tunes from "Wood Works," "Last Leaf," and sneak peeks from our upcoming album. Join the musical celebration!
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STRINGS FESTIVAL, Colorado
July 28-29
In late July, we're teaming up with the Strings Festival to craft a two-day mini-festival in the heart of Steamboat Springs, CO. Beyond the concerts, immerse yourself in workshops, talks, a lively Nordic dance ball, and a good old Nordic jam session. It's a celebration of music, and the joyous spirit of the Nordic traditions. Save the dates!
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Some shots from the amazing Kirsten Kjærs Museum. Located in the forests of Northen Jutland this is where both Wood Works and Last Leaf was recorded. These photos by Caroline Bittencourt is from the Wood Works session in 2013.
