Unveiling the Music of the Vikings: Insights and Reimagining
The mystery of what music the Vikings listened to has intrigued scholars and enthusiasts for decades. While we possess no actual recordings or even a 'best hits' compilation from the Viking era in any manuscript, modern researchers and musicians have embarked on an exciting journey to uncover the sounds that once filled the Viking halls.
The Absence of Recorded History
Acoustics of history echo faintly in the annals of our knowledge. Recorded music from the Viking era is virtually non-existent. Our understanding of the musical culture of these ancient warriors is based largely on literary sources, particularly the poems and songs of the Skalds(Norse poets), which form the core of our knowledge about their culture.
The Role of Skalds in Viking Music
The Skalds played a vital role in the oral tradition of Norse literature but were not musicians in the sense that the bard or Scop(Old English poetic performer) might have been. They were more akin to spoken-word lyricists or 'rappers' of their time. Skaldic poetry often utilized a technique known as heavy alteration, which could be translated into a rhythmic and allegorical style of performance.
A Window into Viking Music
While we lack direct evidence of Viking music, we have a precious entry in the form of a song written in Old Danish, alongside medieval musical notation. The song titled 'Drmd Mik í Drmde Náht' provides a tantalizing glimpse into the auditory world of the Vikings. This finding, though sparse, offers invaluable clues to the musical landscape of the period.
Learning from Old English Sources
Old English literature provides a richer and more accessible source of information about Viking music. Ancient texts such as C?dmon's Hymn and Beowulf give us a better understanding of the musical culture of the era. The Anglo-Saxon society, which the Vikings interacted with, had a more literate culture that was later preserved in the Icelandic literary movements. This allows us to deduce the type of melodies and rhythms that might have been present in Viking music.
Recreations and Compositions
Researching ancient music involves more than just analysis; it also requires the creation of historical compositions. Over the past two and a half decades, I have delved into composing music in several ancient styles, including various Scandinavian musical traditions. My YouTube channel features a series of Viking music videos that I have created, drawing inspiration from both historical and cultural facets.
A Journey Through History
I capitalized on the historical accuracy and authenticity in my research. For instance, I purchased an Anglo-Saxon harp on Etsy, which, although not entirely historically accurate, is close enough to be valuable for performance and study. This instrument, tuned in the C major Pentatonic scale, corresponds to the reference from Hucbald, indicating that the harp was indeed tuned this way in that era.
Authentic Reconstructions
The harp is an integral part of Viking musical history. It is not merely an instrument of beauty but a vital component of the Norse cultural landscape. I have composed and recorded several pieces inspired by this instrument, aiming to respectfully reimagine the sounds of the Viking era.
Artistic Interpretations
My most recent foray into Viking music is an original composition entitled 'Norse Skaldic Rap.' This piece, performed with a twist, is written from the perspective of a Viking, performing rap music in a modern, African-American style. This creative approach allows me to explore the rhythmic and lyrical aspects of Skaldic poetry in a modern context, ensuring that the ancient form of art remains accessible and relatable to contemporary audiences.
The Instruments of the Vikings
The instrumental set of the Vikings was rich and varied. Horns, flutes, panpipes, the Skalmejen(a type of fiddle), the Jaws harp(a jaw harp), the Viking Lur(a type of Ocarina), the Lyre, the Tagelharpa(a small harp), the Rebec(a precursor to the lute), and traditional drums and clappers all played a part in their vibrant musical culture. Each instrument contributed to the unique soundscape that defined the Viking era.
Examples and Further Reading
For a more detailed exploration of the instruments and their sounds, I invite you to visit my YouTube channel. There, you will find a playlist dedicated to showcasing these ancient instruments and the music they created. It is a fascinating journey that bridges the gap between the distant past and the modern day.
Each note and sound carries the weight of history, allowing us to briefly immerse ourselves in the world of the Vikings. As we continue to study and recreate their music, we not only honor their cultural heritage but also celebrate the enduring power of music to connect us across time and space.