Näcken or the Strömkarl ('the man of the stream') is a figure deeply rooted in Swedish folklore. This fairytale creature was supposedly possessed by the devil and would sit naked in a forest by a stream playing magical music on his violin. I have been fascinated by Swedish folk music throughout my lute playing career. Inspired by 17th and early 18th century arrangements of folk tunes for lute and guitar I have made numerous intabulations of Swedish folk melodies. On this CD I present for the first time my seven suites of Swedish folk melodies. Five of these begin with a prelude of my own invention and each suite comprises several contrasting dances and songs arranged for a 13 course baroque lute, a 5 course baroque guitar or a 7 course soprano lute in mandore tuning.

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