Making the CD "Dancing Kannel Tantsib"This CD is a digitally remastered historical recording of Alfred Kuus, playing Estonian Folk Dance Music. Alfred Kuus is one of Canada’s hidden treasures who at 80 years old, was still playing and teaching his beloved music. He is a master class musician, playing the “rahva kannel” or folk kannel, a multi-stringed instrument similar to the Finnish kantele. In 2002, a set of reel to reel tapes of Alfred's Estonian folk dance music were rediscovered. The tapes were recorded in England, in the 1950’s for use in teaching folk dance classes. Each tune has the dance tempo and required number of repetitions to accompany the dance. They reflect the authentic folk dances from the years of Estonian independence between the two world wars. The carefully preserved tapes were digitally remastered at Brock Studios, resulting in a remarkable recording of 34 Estonian folk dance tunes, played by this master musician at the height of his powers. With almost 70 minutes of music, we know this CD will be treasured not only by kannel/kantele fans, but by those interested in world music. The CD covers a wide range of estonian folk dance tunes, from those reflecting aspects of daily life, beginning with "Fisherman", to tunes specific to a location such as Kassari (an island). The songs of the isolated western islands, such as Setu, are among the oldest known tunes which have remained, virtually unchanged for centuries. The piece “In the sage's threshing barn" (targa rehealune} is believed to be over 700 years old and is considered the oldest Estonian folk dance From these earliest tunes, dances reflecting outside influences of conquering nations - such as polkas and waltzes of Germanic influence were added to the repertoire. The final piece "Tuljak" is a 20th century choreographed folk dance, based on a wedding poem set to music and continues to be danced as the finale at weddings, formal dance competitions and local gatherings. Alfred Kuus’s playing has been recognized as accurately reflecting the authentic folk dance traditions of Estonia, a two thousand year old culture. It is also music that transcends cultures and calls all of its listeners to share in the joy of the music and dance. Digitally remastered at Brock Sound Productions: bsp@interlog.com. |
