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To Be Nothing: Conversations with Knut Hamre, Hardanger Fiddle Master
Dialogues between student and master about music, learning, teaching, the healing power of art, and the art of life itself. Knut Hamre has devoted his life to playing the Hardanger fiddle—a unique folk violin with resonating strings beneath, like a sitar's—and to teaching new generations the secrets of this ancient music, rooted in a stark and beautiful land. Benedicte Maurseth is one of his most accomplished students, an internationally known artist who has recorded for the ECM label. In a book that brings to mind such classics as Zen and the Art of Archery and Wabi Sabi , the student and her master together explore the quest for excellence and originality in the heart of a living tradition. At once mystical and practical, To Be Nothing is a series of dialogues about music, learning, teaching, the healing power of art, and the art of life itself. With photographs evoking the rugged landscapes and people from which this music springs and the exquisite beauty of the fiddles themselves, this is a work as serene as a fjord, and as deep.
232 pages, Paperback
Published October 8, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 7, 2022
Well researched, beautiful, a big contribution to my knowledge of the lineage of this beautiful music!
April 4, 2024
This is a fascinating look at the Hardanger fiddle tradition, and the whole master - student relationship.
In some ways the conversations are not long. They are, however, set on a wonderful background of details and history that set the foundation. They touch on major aspects of being a student, teacher and artist. As a musician and sometimes teacher myself, the discussion of pedagogy gave me much to consider.
Knut's method is not held up as the 'only' way, perhaps there are drawbacks, but there is no doubt he feeds the musical spirit of his students.
Benedicte has painted a detailed, loving picture of a unique master, superb player and generous human being. Well done.
In some ways the conversations are not long. They are, however, set on a wonderful background of details and history that set the foundation. They touch on major aspects of being a student, teacher and artist. As a musician and sometimes teacher myself, the discussion of pedagogy gave me much to consider.
Knut's method is not held up as the 'only' way, perhaps there are drawbacks, but there is no doubt he feeds the musical spirit of his students.
Benedicte has painted a detailed, loving picture of a unique master, superb player and generous human being. Well done.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews