Engegård Quartet – Haugelåt
“Haugelåt” by the Engegård Quartet is an interpretation of a traditional folk dance, skillfully arranged into a classical string quartet format. Originally composed by Edvard Grieg and arranged by Nils Anders Mortensen, this rendition by the Engegård Quartet breathes new life into the timeless melody, showcasing the quartet’s impeccable musicianship and artistic vision. From the opening notes, it’s evident that the Engegård Quartet approaches “Haugelåt” with a delicate and nuanced touch. The quartet, comprised of Arvid Engegård on violin, Laura Custodio Sabas on violin, Juliet Jopling on viola, and Jan Clemens Carlsen on cello, expertly creates together an amagalma of sound that is both enchanting and evocative. Despite its origins as a folk dance depicting a forlorn farmer searching for his bull, this rendition of “Haugelåt” takes on a romantic and cinematic quality. The strings convey a sense of longing and nostalgia, evoking imagery of sweeping landscapes and tender moments. The quartet’s interpretation imbues the music with a slow dance character reminiscent of a tango, adding depth and complexity to the traditional folk melody. Around the 1:10 mark, the quartet deftly transitions into a slower, more atmospheric passage, further enhancing the song’s sense of romance and introspection. The interplay between the violin and viola creates a lush sonic landscape, drawing listeners deeper into the music’s emotive depths. As the piece progresses, it builds to a crescendo of energy and intensity, returning to its folk roots with fervor and vitality. In “Haugelåt,” the Engegård Quartet showcases their remarkable ability to breathe new life into traditional music while staying true to its essence.
