Bruce Sagan - Scandinavian/Balkan Folk Music

Introducing Bruce Sagan

I met Bruce one rainy Saturday afternoon at his home in Ann Arbor after being introduced by mutual friends in the folk dance community. We sat together in his home studio, where he regaled me with tales of his life and the journey that led him to where he is today. Bruce, today, is many things- a devoted husband, an active mathematics professor at MSU, and a passionate purveyor of Scandinavian/Balkan folk music.

Bruce, at his core, is a story-teller. Everything in his studio is associated with a memory- the rock on his dresser that reads 'Sagan rocks' was a thank you from his students after he extended their exam, the teddy bear wearing an Ohio pin (his enemy school) was a cheeky gift from his friends.

His penchant for story-telling is most distinct when he speaks of music. Music has been Bruce's life-long companion, punctuating the chapters of his life like a steady, rhythmic beat. Every instrument he owns is deeply entrenched in its own cultural history, its maker, the way in which Bruce came upon it; and, in turn, the music he plays connects him deeply with the history of both its culture and his own memories.

Bruce's start in music

Bruce's mother, Arlene Kauffman Sagan, was a musician and the director of multiple choral groups in Berkely, California. Arlene's love for music was something she instilled into her son, though his passion for folk music would come after his childhood. A photo of her, forever applauding and enjoying the art she loved, hangs in Bruce's studio.

Bruce's love of Swedish folk music

Bruce credits the beginning of his love affair with folk music to an old college flame. During his undergraduate years, she brought him to an international dance class (as that was the only extracurricular activity that fit both of their schedules). He recalled a particular moment during the Armenian dance "Sirun Aghcheek" or "Sirun Aghchik" (Sweet Girl) when all the dancers clapped, creating a beautiful, synchronous sound. The beauty of that sound has stayed with him, marking the starting point of a very fruitful career.

Since then, Sagan has delved into studying Scandinavian and Balkan music. He has visited Scandinavia multiple times and has become a well-known figure in Scandinavian folk communities. Bruce is fluent in Swedish and French (and he is learning conversational Turkish). He has even achieved the Zorn Diploma in Bronze, an award rarely offered to non-Swedes. He has released four albums, including "Spelstundarna" and "Letter to America" (which I now often listen to), and currently plays in multiple Scandinavian/Balkan bands in the Ann Arbor area.

Folk music has played a significant role in his love life as well. He met his wife while teaching a Swedish dance class, where he was captivated by her graceful dance moves and immediately fell in love. They have since taught dance classes together for a number of years, and music remains a constant presence in their lives.

Hardingfele

The Hardingfele (a Hardanger fiddle) is the national instrument of Norway. Its general shape is similar to that of a standard fiddle, but it contains a multitude of ornamental decorations on its body and neck. The body holds four main strings that come in contact with the bow and five 'sympathetic strings' which resonate under the main strings influence.

Its sound is incredibly rich and lively, with a depth of sound created by the sympathetic strings.

Some examples of its sound can be heard at this link:

https://www.brucesagan.com/recordings/

Gûdulka

The gûdulka is a Bulgarian instrument comprised of an oval-shaped body and short neck. Its body holds 3 main strings and 10 sympathetic strings. The gûdulka, unlike the fiddle, is held upright while the bow is moved perpendicularly across its strings.

While the appearance of the gûdulka is significantly less ornamental than that of the hardingfele, its sound is anything but. The sympathetic strings allow for a rich, diverse sound that is hauntingly beautiful.

Bruce, in these photos, sang the Bulgarian folk song Ripni Kalinke as he played. If there had been more room in his studio, I would have danced.

Ripni Kalinke

The song and corresponding dance of Ripni Kalinke originated in the Rhodope Mountains in Souther Bulgaria. It is danced by both men and women, and it contains somewhat tongue in cheek lyrics (see below).

To hear it sung in Bulgarian, click the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dhWUcqaf_g

Nyckelharpa

The nyckelharpa is the national instrument of Sweden. It is a massive instrument, nearly three feet in length, and it is an extremely complicated instrument. It is comprised 16 strings (3 melody strings, one drone string, and 12 sympathetic strings) and 37 wooden keys.

Its sound is both unique and deeply resonant, and its music is complicated in a way that most other stringed instruments cannot achieve. I was awed by the level of dexterity needed to play it.

To hear some samples of Bruce playing the nyckelharpa, click the link below:

https://www.brucesagan.com/tunes/

Thank you, Bruce!

My afternoon with Bruce was absolutely wonderful, and I am extremely grateful for all of the stories he told me and especially for the private concert he put on for me.

Bruce has an incredibly warm spirit and a beautiful perspective on the world. I encourage you to check out his website. If you can, be sure to see him play live in Ann Arbor.

https://www.brucesagan.com/