From a Book I Haven't Read

by Eero Hämeenniemi

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Eero Hämeenniemi

From a Book I Haven't Read


Description

Seven years ago, when I was asked to write a whole concert of music for the UMO Jazz Orchestra, I felt I was encroaching on somewhat alien territory. Hence the title of the suite: From a Book I Haven't Read. Improvised music has since become a fundamental part of my life and work, and the Nada ensemble that was a direct consequence of my UMO project has already become a standard fixture on the Finnish improvised music scene.

In this suite I set out to explore various musical worlds and ambiences beyond what I feel to be the somewhat stereotypical ones of traditional big band music. The improvising skills of the superb UMO players are frequently stretched to the very limits.

© Eero Hämeenniemi, 2000

(Musica nova Helsinki)

translated by © Jaakko Mäntyjärvi and © Susan Sinisalo

Kun seitsemän vuotta sitten sain tehtäväkseni säveltää konsertillisen musiikkia, UMOlle tunsin astuvani hieman oudolle alueelle. Sitä henkii säveltämäni sarjan nimikin: From a Book I Haven't Read. Sittemmin improvisoidusta musiikista onkin tullut hyvin keskeinen osa elämääni ja työtäni, ja UMO-projektin suorana seurauksena syntynyt Nada-yhtyeeni kuuluu jo suomalaisen improvisoidun musiikin vakiokalustoon.

Tässä sarjassa etsin erilaisia musiikillisia maailmoja ja ilmeitä perinteisen big band -musiikin hieman kaavamaisiksi kokemieni ratkaisujen ulkopuolelta. UMOn mainioiden soittajien improvisaatiovalmiuskin pannaan moneen kertaan tulikokeeseen.

© Eero Hämeenniemi, 2000

(Musica nova Helsinki)


Category

Works for Big Band


Premiere

UMO Jazz Orchestra, cond. Markku Johansson, Helsinki, October 22, 1993.


Movements

1. Of Wandering (221/4/4, piano, electric guitar, electric bass, drums, percussion), 2. Just a Stage (221/4/4, piano, electric guitar, electric bass, drums, percussion), 3. Several Costly Decorations (221/4/4, piano, electric guitar, electric bass, drums, percussion), 4. To Bind (220/4/4, piano, electric bass, drums, percussion, bass clarinet), 5. Not Knowing Why (220/3/4, piano, electric guitar, electric bass, drums, percussion, bass clarinet), 6. This Same Call (121/4/4, piano, electric guitar, electric bass, drums, percussion, flute)


Commisioned by / dedications

Commissioned by the UMO Jazz Orchestra.


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