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Sweden is a major country in Nordic region. It has been at the forefront of Nordic music revival movement. Sweden commands a prominent place in jazz and classical operas on world map. The unique singing ability of Swedish singers coupled with distinctive musical culture of Sweden has mesmerized the world. Genres like folk, classical and rock have been carefully cultivated in Sweden.
Music is a passion that runs in the blood of Swedish people. Singers of the country are considered to be Swedish jewels. As mentioned earlier, the Nordic revival movement was greatly encouraged by Swedish government. The central government has sponsored and promoted several concerts and music festivals within the country as well as on international arena. Combined efforts of Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway saw reemergence of Nordic music on world map.
At one point of time, Swedish folk was on the verge of losing its identity. But government intervened at the right time and since then folk music has never looked back. Several prominent groups like Hedningarna, Groupa, Vasen, Susanne Rosenberg and Garmarna have made memorable contributions in folk music culture. Polska is the term given to basic Swedish folk rhythm.
Among the instruments that are requently used in Swedish music are spilapipa or spelpipa, clarinet, fiddle (fiol) and accordeon (dragspel). Spilapipa is basically a whisteler and it’s very traditional in nature. A key fiddle called nyckelharpa is particular to Swedish music. Many people find it similar to a hurdy-gurdy and is played with a bow. Some of the top-notch names in musical genres like jazz and classical operas are, Lars Gullin, Birgit Nilsson, Louis Armstrong, Koop, Rolf Ericson, Jenny Lind and Ake ‘Stan’ Hasslegard. But the most popular form of music in Sweden is Swedish folk. It has also been credited with revival of Nordic traditional music.
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