Artist description <p>Trollstilt is an instrumental duo that cultivates a new music inspired by the folk traditions of Norway and America and informed by contemporary art-music. Combining the diverse musical interests of Dan Trueman (Hardanger and electric fiddles) and Monica Mugan (Classical and steel-string guitars), this husband-wife duo derives their name from a traditional tuning used by Hardanger fiddlers, also known as the "devil's tuning." The New Jersey-based ensemble is on the cutting edge of contemporary groups that are expanding folk traditions and creating new musics that reflect the diversity and ubiquity of today's so-called "World-Music" culture. </p><p>Trollstilt's performances feature all original music with an unusual array of instruments, from the ancient technology of the Hardanger fiddle and its resonating strings to the space-age technology of the 6-string solid-body electric fiddle and its spherical speaker (designed and constructed by Trueman with Perry Cook and Larry Trueman). The duo combines the precision and clarity of their Classical training with the energy and freedom of their experiences with traditional music. Trollstilt has performed extensively along the East Coast (from Maine to Georgia) and recently completed their first compact disc. </p><p>  </p>

Music Style Classical/Folk/World

Musical Influences Norwegian Hardanger fiddle, Stravinsky, Bill Frisell

Similar Artists Vasen, Tin Hat Trio, Bill Frisell

Artist History Formed in 1998. Joined <a href="http://www.azaleacityrecordings.com">Azalea City Recordings</a> in 2000.

Group Members Dan Trueman, Monica Mugan

Instruments Hardanger Fiddle, Electric violin, guitar

Albums Trollstilt

Press Reviews <p>In a feat of impressive musical alchemy, Trollstilt has fused an ancient tradition, the Hardanger fiddle repertoire of Norway, with modern compositional technique and created something truly 21st-century. Dan Trueman's tunes, which range from the demonic to the playful, extend the form without sacrificing the spirit or rigor of the original music. Monica Mugan's intricate, sympathetic guitar accompaniments bring something new to the tradition that will be copied for years to come. This is hypnotic, fresh, bracing music. </p><p> --Bob Norman, folksinger, former editor of Sing Out, the folk song magazine. </p><p> </p><p>Warning: The trolls and gnomes have apparently sent Dan and Monica a magic potion to create a suite of pieces that will work their way into your mind's ear andrefuse to leave. You'll find this music going through your head at all hours ofthe day and night, and its addictive qualities will make you abandon productivetasks in order to listen more. This unique blend of Hardanger, contemporary, electronic, dance and folk music will be unlike anything you know. It's lively, tuneful,unusual, masterfully composed and performed. It's truly magical music. </p><p>--Paul Lansky, composer and Professor of Composition at Princeton University </p><p>  </p><p>Ever been transported to a different sense of time? Ever been utterly transfixed by a particular sound or piece of music? Ever been so mesmerized by something so fresh and fulfilling that you couldn't stop thinking about it? Welcome to the sounds of [Trollstilt], who paint a totally new world of Scandinavian folk-inspired music. </p><p>--Karin Code, editor, Sound Post, Hardanger Fiddle Association of America </p><p> </p><p>For those who are familiar with the music of the traditional Norwegian Hardanger fiddle, the sound of Dan Trueman's fiddle is a delight. Dan has been able to distill from his intensive study of this mysterious instrument the essential elements of its characteristic melodic patterns and ornaments, then fuse these elements with contemporary classical styles. The Hardanger fiddle elements in Dan's compositions are clearly recognizable but are not superficially inserted or tacked on. The result is a completely new animal, an organic whole that is appropriate in scale with the hardingfele and respects and emphasizes the hardingfele's strong points. Myllarguten on Mars!</p><p>--Loretta Kelley, America's most respected Hardanger fiddler </p>

Location Kingston, NJ - USA

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