Malleus Clericum

Thomas Von Wachenfeldt's 2010 album "Malleus Clericum - Hinslåtar, näckvalser och häxdanser" ('The Clergy Hammer - Devil-songs, sprite waltzes, and witch-dances') is a solo violin masterpiece consisting of 25 tracks rooted in traditional Swedish folk music and lore. This album is primarily a listening experience - a flight of the imagination - rather than for dancing. Despite the lone instrument, the compositions are versatile enough and the playing is so spellbinding that it never grows tedious. From the sinister energy of "Djävulspolskan" ('The Devil's Polska') to the more melancholic interpretations of 'Näcklåtar', which are tunes associated with the mythical water spirit Näcken. Many of these pieces were originally known as 'bravurlåtar' (bravura tunes), a term specific to the Swedish musical tradition for songs that showcase not only the fiddler's virtuosity but also his connection to the spirit world.1. Djävulspolskan (The Devil's Polska)2. Hinslåtar (Old Nick's Tunes)3. Satpolskan (The Satan Polska)4. Fans Gånglåt (Satan's Walking Tune)5. Bonden och Hin Håle (The Farmer and Old Nick)6. Blåkullafärden (The Journey to Brocken)7. Häxritten (The Witch Ride)8. Häxdansen (The Witch Dance)9. Näckens Polska (The Nix's Polska)10. Näckens Vals (The Nix's Waltz)11. Näcken och Spelmannen (The Nix and the Fiddler)12. Kvarngubben (The Mill Sprite)13. Trollens Brudmarsch (The Troll's Bridal March)14. Trollens Ringdans (The Troll's Ring Dance)15. Trollet och Spelmannen (The Troll and the Fiddler)16. Trollens Locklåt (The Troll's Calling Tune)17. Trollens Väckningsvisor (The Troll's Wake-Up Songs)18. Ekot från Trollbergsdalen (Echoes from Trollbergsdalen)19. Trollträtan (The Troll Quarrel)20. Bergakungen (The Mountain King)