Norrviken in music
Included in the admission
Location: Selected Period Gardens
A Musical Interpretation
Throughout 2025, Norrviken Gardens will continue to be accompanied by specially composed music, created by the composer duo Hanna and Carl-Johan Dahlberg Fogelklou.
Through four unique musical installations, visitors will experience the soul of the garden through sound and tone—an added dimension where the atmosphere of nature is dressed in music.
The duo has an extensive background in film and TV music, where they skillfully create atmospheric and emotionally resonant works. Carl-Johan is also known as one of the founding members of the band Mando Diao, where he has shaped the Swedish music scene for years with his unique sound. Together, they blend their music production experience with an artistic sensitivity to the character of the place, where each garden room receives its own musical interpretation based on the four elements—earth, air, fire, and water.
"To compose the fantastic atmosphere at Norrviken feels like creating sensory film music for the listener in the moment. It’s an incredibly exciting task, filled with passion and joy," say the musical duo.
This musical interpretation creates a unique and living experience where visitors can wander through the period gardens with music as their guide. Let the music lead you through Norrviken’s different expressions, where history, nature, and creativity meet in a harmonious blend of sound and beauty.
Period Gardens in music
"Norrviken" - The Apple Garden
At the foot of Hallandsåsen, a fanfare to nature opens the gates to Norrviken Gardens. As the villa rises majestically in the distance, Norrviken’s own melody can be heard—an ode to the lush greenery of the Bjäre Peninsula and its endless views over Kattegatt. The theme is inspired by the national romantic music tradition, where nature’s language sets the tone for this beautiful and grand location.
“When we created this piece, we wanted to highlight the grandeur we experience ourselves at Norrviken. It requires something truly magnificent to wash over the guests in the form of tones as they arrive.” Hanna & Carl-Johan Dahlberg Fogelklou
"Morgondagg" - The Renaissance Garden
The air is delicate, and the wind is curious. What lies behind the next corner or beneath the small stone? Like a newborn child, fragile yet strong, you are awakened to a new day filled with new thoughts. The element of air invites you on a journey into the known and the unknown.
“Inspired by the sacred songs and light of the Renaissance, we let the wind guide you forward. To emphasize the air element, which has been an inspiration for the musical interpretation of the Renaissance Garden and the spiritual tone of the piece Morning Dew, twenty different vocal parts sung by Hanna were recorded into a single choir.” Carl-Johan Dahlberg Fogelklou
"Vårbris" - The Romantic Garden
The simplicity of a gentle melody allows you to let go for a while. The tranquility in the Romantic Garden gives you the opportunity to find yourself, feel your heartbeat, and experience the stillness of love. The fire element encourages the glow within you, inspiring warmth and presence. The piece is influenced by the Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi.
“A simple piano melody came to us in our summer cabin up on Kinnekulle after a long walk on the limestone plateau by Vänern. The melody came to us so naturally and effortlessly.”
Hanna & Carl-Johan Dahlberg Fogelklou
"Vattendraken" - The Japanese Garden
Like Water, the Water Dragon Winds Through the Stream, Leaves, Wind, and the Mind
The water element creates calm and insight. The tones from a Guzheng, the dragon’s instrument, symbolize the bubbling water, the wind in the trees, and your inner journey.
"For Carl-Johan, it has always been a dream to play the Guzheng. It wasn’t until now that we had the chance to make it happen and acquire our very own Guzheng, a large instrument with strings and a wooden resonance box. It took a bit of time and effort to become familiar with the instrument, but it quickly became a natural part of our instrument collection at home in Halmstad."
Hanna Dahlberg Fogelklou
Norrviken on Spotify
Let the soul of Norrviken follow you wherever you are. On Spotify, you can listen to the specially composed music by Hanna and Carl-Johan Dahlberg Fogelklou—a musical interpretation of the garden's various characters. The tones are inspired by the location's history, nature's elements, and the unique expressions of the gardens.
In addition to this year's compositions, you can also listen to the works created for the 2024 theme and exhibitions—a musical journey through time, nature, and creativity. Perfect for dreaming away, remembering your visit, or simply enjoying a moment of harmonious inspiration.