Dansk Nationalkomité for ICTM                                                        

Forum for musik og dans i verden                                                                                                                                                                                  

KNEJPE FESTIVAL - North Atlantic theme

For centuries, the coasts of the North Atlantic have been a source of mu- sical exchange. The whalers brought dance tunes. Sailors from the whole region generated a mutual exchange of songs. The tunes became an integral part of local music, but today they play a very minor role in the musical history of the Nordic countries.

In the seminar, COASTAL MUSIC’S NORTH ATLANTIC VOYAGE, professionals from the North Atlantic region provided an insight into the coastal music of their countries.

The seminar was organised in association with the Danish National Committee of the International Council for Traditional Music (ICTM) with support from the Nordic Culture Fund, Den Letterstedska Föreningen and the Municipality of Elsinore.

See programme.

Before Western dance captivated Europe in the 19th century, creating new musical traditions across the North Atlantic, stories about whalers formed an important theme in ancient songs. Four speakers, each from his/her own national perspective, presented examples of this musical history:

Even though the Nordic countries have a strong maritime history, the coastal music seems to have been forgotten in the national, musical storytelling of the Scandinavian countries. Learn more about the reason for this here.

Much of the music presented in this seminar is related to dance music.