Norwegian double bass master Håkon Thelin is considered a generation-defining musician-composer-educator whose exuberant musicality, creativity and commanding extended bowing techniques influenced and impressed many musicians, students and listeners. Thelin is known as one of the world’s leading performers of contemporary music, including complex works of Iannis Xenakis, Luciano Berio, fellow double bass master Stefano Scodanibbio (in their duo album, a Stefano Scodanibbio, Atterklang, 2014) and fellow Norwegian composer Edvin Østergaard, a member of the trio POING (with accordionist Frode Haltli and sax player Rolf-Erik Nystrøm), and an associate professor at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo.

Thelin’s solo double bass album Slåtter på kontrabass (Plays the double bass) continues his ground-breaking work on his previous solo albums Light and Folk (Atterklang, 2011 and 2015) where he reflected on a musical language he calls «the folk music of the double bass». The new album offers his interpretations and arrangements of folk music, «an endless source of inspiration» for him, with a few original pieces. All pieces demonstrate how folk tunes can be played on the double bass and how harmonic techniques, sound imitation and effects, and rhythmic and melodic material for the bull fiddle are related to and can imitate melodies and sounds from folk music, and, clearly, informed Thelin’s own contemporary work.

The music on Slåtter på kontrabass is inspired by various traditions and performers, including fiddlers and Hardanger fiddlers Susanne Lundeng, Knut Kjøk, Eilev Smedal, Thorvald Trondsgård, Hans W. Brimi and Vidar Lande, traditional reed player Geir Egil Larsen and vocalist Unni Løvlid (Thelin’s partner). Thelin’s impeccable bowing technique, speed, pinpoint intonation, various sound treatments, including multiphonics, and brilliant usage of harmonics, and especially overtones, allow him to suggest different sound worlds that both contrast and connect with the fundamental components of the sound. Once again, like Light and Folk, Slåtter på kontrabass is about the interplay between the light and the dark.

Thelin sings, dances, mourns and prays with the double bass, celebrating all aspects of life with the bull fiddle (and with his voice on «Kveldshymne – Dagen viger og gaar bort»). He often sounds like a mini chamber ensemble hosting traditional Hardanger fiddlers. Slåtter på kontrabass is Thelin’s most beautiful, moving and personal love affair with folk music. A masterpiece.

Eyal Hareuveni

Håkon Thelin (double bass, vocals)