SKU: FG.55011-321-3

ISBN 9790550113213.

Kai Nieminen's Northern Spells for solo guitar is a unique combination of Northern mystique, nature and age-old rituals. The mood of the opening Invocation and Spell is shrouded in mystery dotted with moments of brightness, and chant-like rhythmic passages. As its name suggests, the second movement, Atmosfera, is atmospheric and airy, reiterating a melody that creates an image of something ancient and distant. The recurring pentatonic figures in the closing Charm conjure forth a rhythmic and at times even lithe conclusion.

Strong contrasts are one of the hallmarks of Nieminen's music, and this work is no exception. The guitarist must have a consummate ability to extract specific tones and effects from his or her instrument in order to bring out the required nuances and sometimes even ritualistic moods. One special feature of the work is the damped sound made in the bass by gently pressing the string with the left-hand finger near the nut. This produces a muffled, mystic, drum-like sound that has to be rounded, altogether resonant and ear-catching. Throughout all the movements and moods of this work, the player has to choose the timbres very carefully. The performance must be as imposing and multidimensional as the arctic nature that allows Northern spells to reawaken in the present-day world.