Film

The Devil’s Instrument

2020 · 26m · Documentary

An exploration of explores the history, lore, craft and haunting music of the Hardanger fiddle and the dances that accompany it as they are practiced in present day Norway. The national instrument of Norway, the Hardanger fiddle is similar to the violin, though it has eight strings, four of which resonate as drone strings. The instrument is often highly decorated with an extensive mother of pearl inlay on the fingerboard and black ink decorations on the body of the instrument. “The Devil’s Instrument” was the name given to the fiddle by religious leaders in the 19th century to discourage its use. The documentary interviews woodworkers who make the fiddle, the musicians who play it and the dancers who spin to it against the backdrop of the gorgeous Norwegian landscape.

• Dana ConroyDirector · Producer
• Kevin RussellEditor

Devil's Instrument with Benedicte Maurseth

Release date

October 10, 2020

Status

Released

Original language

English

Runtime

26m

Rated

G

Genres

Documentary