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From the heartlands of Hälsingland emerges the haunting legacy of Hultkläppen, one of Sweden’s most enigmatic and masterful fiddlers. Thomas von Wachenfeldt, a classically trained violinist, composer, and renowned traditional Swedish musician, has ventured into the depths of history to resurrect timeless tunes.

“Den Vanfrejdade – Hultkläppens låtar och leverne” is a biographical journey spanning the life and legacy of Hultkläppen (1834-1898). Comprising every known tune attributed to the legendary infamous fiddler, this double-CD album is the culmination of twenty years of meticulous research by Wachenfeldt, who is also a PhD researcher and an Associate Professor at Dalarna University and Uppsala University. The album is accompanied by a 132-page book, offering an in-depth exploration of Hultkläppen’s life and music.

Each track pulses with the spirit of the Nordic wilderness, capturing the essence of traditional Swedish folk fiddle music. From the mournful strains of “När Hultkläppen spelade hustrun till graven” to the jubilant refrains of “Hultkläppens brännvinspolska”, Wachenfeldt’s masterful interpretations breathe life into melodies passed down through generations. The music, steeped in the lore and landscape of Hälsingland, offers a passage through time, evoking the same woodland magic that inspired Hultkläppen himself.