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A Swedish Folksong

by Joe Carr

This tune comes from Mel Bay's forthcoming collection, "International Favorites for the Mandolin" (by yours truly) Many of the tunes in the collection are arranged for solo mandolin. One of my students, Magnus Feldman (who is Swedish) suggested this beautiful traditional melody. The words praise the area of Sweden called "Varmeland." The singer says if he could find a wife from Varmeland, he would be happy the rest of his life. That's enough for me!

Working first from internet midis and MP3s including one that featured a full orchestra, I started arranging it for solo mandolin. Magnus felt I didn't capture one section very well and he arranged to have a friend in Sweden email me a beautiful original solo guitar arrangement. My arrangement quickly fell into place after seeing this material and everyone seemed pleased.

The unexpected move from minor to major in measure X is a pleasing "hook" of this tune. You can hear a recording of this arrangement at acousticmusician.com/JoeCarr.html

Watch this space for more tunes from the book/CD combination and news of when it will be available.