I have had an overwhelming response as I recruit singers from around Shetland, and beyond, to produce a top-spec recording of the Hildina Ballad, one of our oldest recorded songs.
Over 30 singers have signed up so far to help make a recording at Mareel on November 5th - and Ken Blair, a recording engineer who has worked with artists such as George Martin, Sting, Rush and many others - is all set to capture the performances.
There's still the chance to join the project if you're a singer or know any singers who would be keen, and can be available in Shetland on November 5th!
History
The ballad was written down in 1774, from the recital, in Shetland Norn, of William Henry, a crofter in Foula. George Low, a Natural Philosopher and Minister from Aberdeenshire, wrote it out phonetically. His text has been studied and had several attempts at reconstruction over the past 200 years.
The story
‘Hildina’ centres around the Lady Hildina, daughter of a King of Norway who elopes with a Jarl of Orkney. They are pursued, a battle ensues, and Hildina ultimately takes a firy revenge on the suitor who has wronged her.
My reconstruction
I have approached the Hildina Ballad as a musician, and as a speaker of Shaetlan as a first language.
Informed by reconstructions by Sophus Bugge (c1894); Marius Haegstad (1900); Jon Helgasson (1951); Egil Lehmann (1984), and Frances Fischer (1999), I've aimed to produce a singable, coherent version of the ballad in both Norn and Shaetlan that remains as true as possible to George Low's original writing down of the text.
I've also applied my own knowledge and feel for our language to keep as much authenticity as possible.
My reconstruction and translation into Shaetlan can be found here!
Funding from Creative Scotland has allowed me to pursue this project!
The plan
Once we've recorded the ballad, loads of opportunities open up.
We'll have a great resource and record of this song - it can then be taught, learned, and even danced to as our neighbours do in Faroe.
It will be made available through all normal music platforms online;
and, I have other ideas for the ballad and this tradition that will see the light in 2026 - more info on that soon!
Till then, fare braa,
Barry !