This thread has inspired me to get out my only Hardanger CD, "As Quick as Fire" by Knut Buen. (I believe I found it throught the fiddle association site mentioned above.)

Hardanger pieces seem to have a tradition of starting out with god-awful dissonances and discords. (I think it is an attempt to send an unmistakeable sound across the fjord and get distant neighbors to come dance.) Anyhow, when you first hear it, listen for awhile and give it a chance to become tuneful.

The notes have the interesting comment that modern instruments are sometimes made with wood hundreds of years old, taken from old barns.