Poster Terje Isungset
Terje Isungset plays a horn made of ice.
Courtesy of the artist

Ice music: Building instruments out of water

NPR: Ice music

In the United States, many are freezing and looking for warmth. Halfway around the world, Norwegian musician Terje Isungset has built a career dependent on frigid weather.

Terje Isungset is a Norwegian musician who makes his own instruments -- out of ice. Among his creations are "icehorns," a xylophone-shaped instrument called an "iceofon," guitars, harps and even even saxophones sculpted from huge chunks of ice using chainsaws. He is also one of the minds behind Ice Music Festival, where entire venues are created out of ice and and performers play instruments specially constructed for the event. This year's festival will take place in Finse, Norway in February.

Terje has been working with ice for nearly 20 years, but as he told me, he doesn't always have control over how his creations turn out. I reached Isungset in Russia, where he's currently traveling and playing ice music, building his instruments on the same day he performs with them.

You can find Terje Isungset's music at what he calls "the only record company in the world building new recording studios for every recording": All Ice Records.

Copyright 2018 NPR. To see more, visit npr.org.

Love the music?

Donate by phone
1-800-562-8440

Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.

Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.

YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.

More Ways to Give

Your Donation

$5/month
$10/month
$15/month
$20/month
$