Credits:

Laura Mikkola

Description:

Svein Hunness is one of the most highly regarded composers in contemporary Norway. His music features a flexible style rooted in a wide range of genres, from jazz and rock to funk. At the heart of this album are seven pieces titled Clavinata. Between 2015 and 2018, he composed ten Clavinata pieces; while each is reminiscent of a technically demanding toccata with intricately interwoven melodies, they each have their own distinct form and are not related to one another. Many of the pieces develop from small thematic motifs, and the collection also includes rhythm-driven compositions. The Sonata, placed in the middle of the album, is a compelling piece studded with a variety of sounds. Downtuned Beats is a fun track with a bouncy rhythm. Performed by Finnish pianist Laura Mikkol, who studied at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki and won second prize at the 1995 Queen Elisabeth International Music