Isthmus: A Haunting Blend of Acoustic Piano, Finnish Jouhikko, and the Moog Synthesizer
Renowned Finnish neoclassical composer Arttu Silvast will release his new album, Isthmus, on November 15, 2024. This captivating collection of sonic resonanses features the timeless sounds of a 1952 Finnish-made Fazer upright piano, the ancient tones of the Finnish jouhikko (a bowed lyre), and the rich textures of a Moog synthesizer - all wrapped around soothing ambient soundscapes. The album invites listeners on a profound journey through the intersection of tradition and modernity.
Inspired by Northern European landscapes and the Faroe Islands, the album evokes nature’s beauty and the vastness of human emotion. The piano’s resonant depth and the jouhikko's haunting timbre create an immersive experience, enriched by atmospheric and cinematic synthesis layers.
Arttu Silvast reflects, “This album explores contrasts—new and old, stillness and motion. Looking at Finnish cultural history, it’s also about contrasts between the East and the West. The jouhikko has a primal sound, and combining it with the piano and synthesizers allowed me to discover textures that feel both grounded and transcendent.”
Recorded in Silvast's personal studio space in Metsälä, Helsinki, Isthmus captures the nuances of each performance.
Arttu Silvast will debut Isthmus live at the prestigious Les Boréales festival in Caen, Normandy, France, alongside past luminaries such as Arvo Pärt, Ólafur Arnalds, Jóhann Jóhannsson, and Hildur Guðnadóttir.
Track Listing:
Together
Mykines
Tiger Grass
Pakkret Nights
Kalsoy
Morgonlandet (single 1: 27.9.2024)
Sediments
Enclosure
Approaching Midnight
A Shoreline (single 2: 8.11.2024)
For media inquiries or interviews please contact:
hello@silvastcreative.com
+358408302883
About the Finnish Jouhikko
The Jouhikko, or Finnish bowed lyre, is a traditional string instrument with roots in Finland and surrounding regions. Typically featuring two to three strings made from gut or synthetic materials, it is played with a bow, producing a haunting, resonant sound. Often tuned to create a drone, the jouhikko has been integral to Finnish folk music and storytelling. In contemporary music, the jouhikko is experiencing a revival, blending its ancient tones with modern genres like neoclassical and folk. The Impivaara model jouhikko you hear on the album is made by Rauno Nieminen, a long line Finnish luthier working with traditional instruments.
About the Finnish Fazer Pianos
The Fazer piano is a revered upright piano crafted in Finland, known for its exceptional sound quality and craftsmanship. Manufactured by the Fazer company, which has a long history in producing musical instruments, these pianos are distinguished by their rich, warm tones and solid construction. The older models are celebrated for their vintage charm and resonance, making it a favorite among musicians and composers. Often associated with classical and contemporary music, the Fazer piano has become a symbol of Finnish musical heritage, embodying both traditional craftsmanship and modern artistry.
Credits
All tracks performed, composed, produced and mixed by Arttu Silvast
Mastering by Jaakko Viitalähde at Virtalähde Mastering
Graphic Design by Sami Rouhiainen
Promotional Photography and video by Atte Järvinen
Jouhikko by Rauno Nieminen
Piano tuning and maintenance Anton Kilpi
Faroe Island contact Kåre V. Poulsen
Support / Grant from the Finnish-Danish culture fond