Hardanger fiddle player and composer Benedicte Maurseth presents a beguiling album of her own 'new folk' compositions. 'Alde' is her first solo recital disc and includes pieces that were originally composed for the The Norwegian Theater production of Wakefulness (Andvake) by Norwegian playwright, Jon Fosse. 'Alde' is an album that will appeal to folk music traditionalist and modernist alike, but the sheer beauty of Maurseth's compositions and playing will also find favour with lovers of early music and baroque. 29-year-old Benedicte Maurseth is one of Norway's most respected Hardanger fiddle players. Under the tutorage of Hardanger master Knut Hambre, she began playing the instrument when just seven, later going on to study at the Ole Bull Academy in Oslo. As well as performing solo, Maurseth also works with many of Norway's foremost artists across a wide range of different genres, including Early Music. Maurseth has a deep interest in the instruments of the baroque era and has for many years worked with Hardanger fiddles from the 1700s. She uses gut strings and baroque bows and has lately begun to explore the viola d'amore.