Reiersrud and Sundstøl pay tribute to the father of British pop on album and stage
Knut Reiersrud and Geir Sundstøl are releasing the album Purcell, Truth, Lies, and Bad Memory on September 25, 2026. In connection with the release, the duo will take the stage at the Opera House on October 10!
Truth
Knut Reiersrud and Geir Sundstøl have known each other for over 35 years. Yet, the two string masters have almost never played together—only on the odd recording for other artists. Fortunately, there are people in this country who can count to two!
Former Sildajazz director Andreas Meland, the man behind the Hubro record label, has dreamed for years of bringing the two together for a four-handed guitar magic.
It may have come as a surprise to Meland that the two guitarists chose to create an album based on the works of the English baroque composer Henry Purcell.
However, it won’t consist of servile guitar duets performed with a footstool and tailcoat. Instead, we will receive bold improvisation and excursions into the Wild West, Indian mysticism, and Swedish sin.
Reiersrud and Sundstøl both have a long history of interpreting musical works: Franz Schubert, John Coltrane, L.V. Beethoven, and David Bowie have all been processed through the musical mill of these two gentlemen.
Now, it is Henry Purcell’s music that takes center stage. Why does the world need a “Knut and Geir remixing Purcell” album?
Let us answer a bit pompously, something they enjoyed in the 1600s:
Purcell's music possesses a unique emotional depth. The works are often grandly arranged for large orchestras. At the same time, they contain a depth that has contributed to some of the most profound moments in film music.
It is this deeply human and warming core of the musical language that the two wish to convey with their guitars. Through Reiersrud and Sundstøl’s interpretations, it’s as if one can sense the roots of the universal quality of British pop music. Combined with the fact that both musicians early on fell into the African/American musical pot, there is every indication that we will witness unheard and cosmic string magic on stage.
Lies
Knut and Geir are two brilliant musicians. What many don’t know is that they are also avid freedivers. During one of their many diving excursions, at a depth of 12 meters, they found a collection of stone records, or 78s. The collection consisted mainly of Henry Purcell's music. Knut and Geir took this as a sign!
Bad Memory
Knut Reiersrud and Geir Sundstøl were born at opposite ends of the 1960s. They belong to the last generation that learned to play on their own. For children, the 1970s were the last quiet time. In the time between the end of the school day and dinner, they created their own haven.
Some kicked a ball in the field. Others played cornet in the local brass band. Knut and Geir practiced guitar in their bedrooms.
Music education was for families with ambitions in classical music.
For Knut and Geir, the most important thing was to press on the guitar neck where it sounded good. Often in harmony with the record player. Both preferred to play up the neck. One string at a time. This often worked best with folk music, like what often spun on the turntable.
This is a more cumbersome method than letting the hand fly up and down in the same position on the fretboard. It creates more friction. Just like when you strike a match against the strip on a matchbox. It is exactly this friction, or warmth, that contributes to making a Reiersrud & Sundstøl concert a unique experience!
