Östersunds spelmanslag 

Our group of folk music players was started in 1993 and consists of about 50 members from Östersund and the surrounding districts. We play traditional folk music mainly from the province of Jämtland but also from Norway. Our repertory includes some compositions of our own too. During the last few years we have been asked to participate at many musical events such as Storsjöyran (a music festival in Östersund), local inaugarations, musical competitions, gathering of folk musicians and so on. In 1996 we had about 20 performances. We have produced three cassettes two CD-records and three tune collections. (see Discography).

This is how we sound:

--and this is how we look:

Most of the tunes are derived from old musicians playing our traditional folk music in the western and eastern part of the province of Jämtland. Our eminent leader, Rickard Näslin, travelled about in the province in the seventies, visiting the old fiddlers and learning their music. We learn the tunes by ear but written music can be of help when practising individually at home. Since 1998 the group has two leaders, Peter Roos and Rickard Näslin. Within the the big group there are also smaller groups such as a quintet, and solo players.

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Discography

Reviews

Members-97

Board

Listen to MP3!

OTHER FOLK MUSIC LINKS:

The folk music course at Föllinge

The Gregorie Folk music and dance competition

Do you want to read some biographical notes about the great folk musicians of Jämtland during the 19th century?

"LAPP-NILS" (Nils Jonsson, 1804-1870) is no doubt the one who has influenced the folk music tradition the most. Stories and tales about this legendary folk fiddler from the mountanious part of western Jämtland...

The other outstanding figure in our folk music was MIKAEL RAPP (1799-1878), military- and folk musician from Fanbyn, a village in the east of Jämtland.

E-mail: richard.naslin@folkbildning.net