E. von Koch: Wermlandia-Variationer. Henrik Berg, piano.

Wermlandia-Variationer (Wermlandia Variations, Wermlandia is the Latin name for the Swedish region Värmland) by Swedish composer Erland von Koch (1910-2009). The theme, "Ack, Värmeland du sköna", also known as "Värmlandsvisan", which is an anthem for the Swedish county of Värmland, is one of Sweden's most beloved traditional songs. It does, however, originate from Östergötland and even further back from the Dutch song "O Nederland, let op u saeck". Similarities with the 16th century madrigal "La mantovana" could also be noted. These variations are an expansion of von Koch's "Fantasia on Ack Värmeland, du sköna", written a couple of decades earlier.
My 'miscellaneous' playlist: • Miscellanous
Recorded on the 15th of June 2023 in Boda Church, Rättvik, Sweden. Recording engineer: Jonas Bernhardt.

[@HenrikBergpianorganist]

I can’t believe this is not part of every Swedish pianist’s repertoire!🤩These variations just contain so much wit and humour, many little whims, paired influences of jazz and folk music, dances like slow waltz, polska, tango, playful rhythms - altogether quite typical of von Koch!🎶Written in 1981, they are an expansion of his "Fantasia on Ack, Värmeland du sköna" from a couple of decades earlier (I recorded it last year). The theme, "Oh, Wermlandia, you beautiful" is one of the most beloved Swedish folk songs, so no wonder he came back to it!✨Please help me spread this lovely music to the world, and as always - don’t forget to click the thumbs-up and subscribe!😃

[@meonar]

Oj, vilken musik! Tack för en fin upplevelse!

[@HenrikBergpianorganist]

Tack för att du lyssnade! :)

[@agnesfalk2105]

Gud så bra musik och herregud så bra spelat!

[@HenrikBergpianorganist]

Tack🙂 Sjukt coola variationer!

[@mariegunnarsson9335]

Vilken härlig upplevelse😃 14.55

[@philippelegargean5120]

It's true that there is a beautiful meeting of different feelings and influences... always in good taste and admirably interpreted. Felicitation !

[@HenrikBergpianorganist]

I think it’s quite amazing how he manages to keep everything together despite the constant mixing of keys and metres and styles! A joy to play!

[@Tillsammmans]

❤fantastiskt!

[@HenrikBergpianorganist]

Jag och Erland tackar ☺️