Karl XIIs Vals
This version of Karl XIIs Vals comes from the playing of the celebrated Uppland fiddler, “Gås-Anders” Ljungqvist. He lived from 1815 to 1896. Ljungqvist got the nickname “Gås-Anders” as a teenager when he had work tending geese.
His playing was spectacular, and inspired many stories of his supernatural abilities, including making the furniture dance, playing his fiddle without touching it, and even playing with his toes!
He played for over 150 weddings, and countless other events. In 1944 a statue was dedicated to him. The statue was sculpted by Bror Hjorth, and stands on the grounds of Björklinge church in Uppland.
King Karl XII was one of the most remarkable monarchs of Sweden. He led the army of Sweden in several wars. He died in battle from a gunshot to the head, and it was rumored that the shot was fired by one of his officers who simply wanted to stop the endless warfare that the king pursued.
It is no wonder that some fiddle tunes are named for him.
To the left is a photo of the famous statue of Gås-Anders in Björklinge.
Here is a YouTube video of a Swedish nyckelharpa player playing Karl XIIs Vals.