Not your grandparents chamber music
Presented by: Music Viva Australia
Reviewed: 18 August, 2024
Pekka Kuusisto & Gabriel Kahane have taken breaks from their impressive musical careers and respective continents (Finland and America) to collaborate on a new project. Over the past year, they met in person three times for what they describe as “song writing camps.” Together they beautifully blend classical and modern chamber music, inspired by Finnish folk traditions.
This is not your grandparents’ chamber music concert. Kuusisto and Kahane stroll onto the stage in black slacks and knits. While a departure from the more austere symphony concerts Adelaide Town Hall usually hosts, their relaxed attitudes, easy jokes, and finger guns pointing affectionately across the stage at the end of each song result in a friendly and accessible performance for the audience. Kahane remarks that Adelaide is the final stop on their Australian tour, before turning to Kuusisto: “Thank you dude, for playing music, it’s been really fun.”
Between them Kuusisto and Kahane play several different instruments, including: harmonium, an antique instrument from Germany that sounds somewhere between an organ and melodica, violin (both electric and traditional), Steinway piano, and electric guitar. Their first song Old Wounds is an ethereal, gentle tune that combines modern technology and folk vocals. Kahane sings haunting lyrics (“strings of a silver guitar”) while playing the pedal operated harmonium. Kuusisto accompanies on violin, recording his notes with looper pedals similar to Ed Sheeran. A more traditional Finnish folk song follows, Blue, where they experiment with micro tones. There are no vocals, but the song does not require them. Unicorn Love uses electric guitar and romantic, self-reflective lyrics, giving the song an indie-pop feel.
The audience sees a hint of the duo’s versatility later in the concert, when they play three songs in succession: their original Oh Cousin, a movement by JS Bach, and a piece by American composer Nico Muhly. They delight in seamlessly changing from folk to classical, and finally modern. Our ears distinguish the songs, as there is no perceivable pause on stage.
To paraphrase Kahane – Thank you, dudes, for playing music. It was a fun, unique, and remarkable experience. Everyone in attendance is now eagerly awaiting the release of your album.
Reviewed by Nicola Woolford
Venue: Adelaide Town Hall
Season: ended
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