HAN VALEN by Andrew Liles

This recording is inspired by the piano works of Olav Fartein Valen (25th August 1887 - 14th December 1952). Valen was a Norwegian composer, notable for his work in atonal polyphonic music.

Valen first came to my attention via the excellent documentary 'Heimvegen', a 12 part series about my friends, Enslaved.

As I was creating the tracks for this album, I would send rough mixes to Grutle Kjellson, who is a distant relation of Valen. Confusingly, Valen was Grutle's great grandmother’s cousin, his great great great grandfather’s grandson and his great great grandfather’s nephew!

In response to listening to my creations, Grutle would reply with voice memos about the life of Valen. Insightful and complementary to the music, giving a deeper context to the album and life of Valen, I thought it only logical that these voice memos be included. Many thanks to Grutle, who offered so much insight and gave so much time to this project.

HAN VALEN is released in 3 editions –

i. DOWNLOAD

ii. CDR: EDITION OF 25 COPIES : SOLD OUT
The CDR contains all the download tracks plus an extra track, Utbrudd. This will not be available for download. The professionally pressed CDR is issued in an edition of 25 copies. The disc comes in a 4 panel ‘Lancing Pack’ card sleeve .

iii. CDR + LATHE CUT LP: EDITION OF 25 COPIES
The lathe cut features ‘Opp Og Ikke Gråte Mixes’, alternative and abridged versions of the download and CDR versions of the album. This version will not be available for download. Package also includes CDR mentioned above.

MAY 2025 : DESCEND AND DISINTEGRATE

Tracklist

1.	Valesåto	8:24

2.	Litle-Per	6:23

3.	Skodda Øve Siggjo	7:57

4.	Freya	4:58

5.	Madagaskar	8:09

6.	John Og Dagny	6:41

7.	Litla Julafto 44	10:17

8.	Jaune Soleil	2:40

9.	Fartein Plays Fartein	4:44

Credits

released May 2, 2025

Grutle Kjellson: Narration & commentary
Fartein Vikingstad Grutle: Piano on track 9
Mirjam O. Vikingstad: Front cover photography

The photo taken by Mirjam is from a cholera cemetery in Leirvåg, Valestrand, Norway. The cemetery inspired one Valen’s most famous works “Le Cimetiere Marin” (The Graveyard by the Sea).

Related:
10 Questions to Grutle Kjellson -
www.andrewliles.com/10-questions/grutle-kjellson/

10 Questions to Ivar Bjørnson -
www.andrewliles.com/10-questions/ivar-bjornson/

Anvår: Collaborative project from Ivar Bjørnson and Andrew Liles -
www.andrewliles.com/discography/hailemal/

License