Cifra
Diana Theocharidis, choreography
Anssi Karttunen, cello
Cifra is a selection of the Mystery Variations with dance choreography by Diana Theocharidis. The Mystery Variations were a gift for the 50th birthday of Anssi Karttunen, masterminded by Kaija Saariaho and Muriel von Braun. They invited a number of composers to write short pieces for cello, using as a theme the first ever piece written for the cello, the Chiacona by Giuseppe Colombi.
The first complete Mystery Variations-cycle performance by Anssi Karttunen took place in Paris in February 2011 and Cifra, was premiered in La Plata, Argentina in October 2011. The Mystery Variations offer a unique look at the numerous ways of writing for the cello today. It is a kaleidoscopic look into the history through the eyes of 30 composers, and a look into the future through the music of Colombi.
Cifra trailer
ANSSI KARTTUNEN --- I have always believed that the best thing that a musician can leave behind is the pieces that were written for him or her. I can't leave my cello playing behind, but I can leave these pieces that were part of my life. There is no greater honour than taking part in the beginning of a process, and being the first messenger. To know that in however small ways I was part of the beginning of a life of a piece, it's really a tremendous honour.
NEW YORK TIMES --- Mr. Karttunen's brilliant technique and gorgeous tone came into sharp focus in selections from "Mystery Variations". (...) Mr. Karttunen performed variations by Kaija Saariaho, Marc Neikrug, Steven Stucky, Mr. Lindberg and Tan Dun. The range of responses to the source material was illuminating: Ms. Saariaho summoned ghostly whispers; Mr. Lindberg, crackling energy; Mr. Tan, antic strumming and ritualistic vocal shouts. Common to each was the composer's obvious esteem for Mr. Karttunen's abilities.
Anssi Karttunen, cello
Cifra is a selection of the Mystery Variations with dance choreography by Diana Theocharidis. The Mystery Variations were a gift for the 50th birthday of Anssi Karttunen, masterminded by Kaija Saariaho and Muriel von Braun. They invited a number of composers to write short pieces for cello, using as a theme the first ever piece written for the cello, the Chiacona by Giuseppe Colombi.
The first complete Mystery Variations-cycle performance by Anssi Karttunen took place in Paris in February 2011 and Cifra, was premiered in La Plata, Argentina in October 2011. The Mystery Variations offer a unique look at the numerous ways of writing for the cello today. It is a kaleidoscopic look into the history through the eyes of 30 composers, and a look into the future through the music of Colombi.
Cifra trailer
ANSSI KARTTUNEN --- I have always believed that the best thing that a musician can leave behind is the pieces that were written for him or her. I can't leave my cello playing behind, but I can leave these pieces that were part of my life. There is no greater honour than taking part in the beginning of a process, and being the first messenger. To know that in however small ways I was part of the beginning of a life of a piece, it's really a tremendous honour.
NEW YORK TIMES --- Mr. Karttunen's brilliant technique and gorgeous tone came into sharp focus in selections from "Mystery Variations". (...) Mr. Karttunen performed variations by Kaija Saariaho, Marc Neikrug, Steven Stucky, Mr. Lindberg and Tan Dun. The range of responses to the source material was illuminating: Ms. Saariaho summoned ghostly whispers; Mr. Lindberg, crackling energy; Mr. Tan, antic strumming and ritualistic vocal shouts. Common to each was the composer's obvious esteem for Mr. Karttunen's abilities.
Photo: Irmeli Jung
Photo: Genitti/Teatro Argentino