Arve Moen Bergset

A master of both the Hardanger fiddle and the Norwegian kvad folksinging tradition, Arve Moen Bergset has infused his homeland’s musical heritage with youthful energy. After relocating with his family in 1977 to the musically vibrant Vinje region of Telemark, he drew inspiration from local traditional sounds and pursued violin instruction under Lars Anders Tomter and Leif Jorgensen while training in kvad with Sondre Bratland. In 1995 he earned a higher diploma in chamber music for solo instrument from the Norwegian State Academy of Music. Although his professional bow came in 1987 with a nationally aired radio performance of Norwegian folk songs, he had already issued his debut solo recording, Litle Fuglen, the year before; his follow-up album, Arvesølv, appeared soon after that broadcast. Having contributed as a guest to Bukkene Bruse’s self-titled 1993 release, he accepted an invitation to become a full member the next year, and his richly expressive fiddling together with his sweet tenor voice have remained central to the ensemble’s identity ever since. Bergset has simultaneously maintained an active path as a soloist and orchestral musician, capturing first prize in a 1990 competition for young string players and second place in a 1991 soloist contest organized by the Norwegian youth orchestra. In 1997 he released the solo collection Religiøse Folketonar, devoted to traditional Norwegian religious melodies.