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<\/p>\nLast night, I hosted the second in my sociological public lecture series, but this time blending in music. We were joined by Benjin, aka Dr Ben Pollock – formerly of the University of Kent – a multi-instrumentalist and sociologist for an evening discussing the politics of the nyckelharpa. Currently the national instrument of Sweden, the nyckelharpa has pan-European roots and has been adopted by various groups at various times. It has been a symbol of national regeneration in the 19th century, of the left-wing folk revivals of the 1960s and 70s, and today has become attached to the rise of far-right nationalism.<\/p>\n
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The music was great, splicing together folk music, Bach, and Benjin’s own compositions (including experimental looping pieces). The talk was even better – showing how one cultural object can take on so many meanings, reflect the ideological trends of eras, and can even change its physical form but remain the ‘same’ instrument. One member described it as the “event of the year”, so I’m pleased about that!<\/p>\n
Benjin’s latest recordings can be found here<\/a>, and he is currently performing as part of a quartet at Shakespeare’s Globe in London for their production of Henry V.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"