Soloists and orchestra

Into the Woodland Silence (2010)

folk/jazz mezzo-soprano and big band
17'

The first line-up alternative: folk/jazzmezzosoprano +
a.sax./flute, clar./b.clar., t.sax./flute, t.sax./clar. and b.sax./flute
4 tpts, 3 tbns, 1 b.tbn, piano, double bass, drs/perc.

The second line-up alternative: folk/jazzmezzosoprano +
a.sax./flute/clar., clar., t.sax./flute/clar., t.sax., b.clar.
4 tpts, 3 tbns, 1 b.tbn, piano, double bass, drs/perc.

Into the Woodland Silence is about human growth and the vast, unanswered question of how to become oneself, an exploration that continues throughout our lives. The lyrics were compiled from poems by renowned Finnish poets Eeva-Liisa Manner and Sirkka Turkka. A key element for the birth of the piece was Tarkiainen's long and on-going collaboration with vocalist Aili Ikonen, to whom the work is dedicated. In the piece the jazz orchestra envelopes the singer who sings, speaks, buzzes, improvises and leads the listener through shifting musical landscapes. The work was commissioned by the Umo Jazz Orchestra. Distribution: Music Finland.

Premiere: March 18, 2010
Korjaamo Cultural Factory, Helsinki
Umo Jazz Orchestra, cond. Kari Heinilä
Aili Ikonen, vocalist

September 8, 2011
Haparanda, Sweden
Norrbotten Big Band, cond. Outi Tarkiainen
Aili Ikonen, vocalist

September 9, 2011
Älvsby, Sweden
Norrbotten Big Band, cond. Outi Tarkiainen
Aili Ikonen, vocalist

September 10, 2011
Nefertiti Jazz Club, Göteborg
Norrbotten Big Band, cond. Outi Tarkiainen
Aili Ikonen, vocalist

September 11, 2011
Fasching Jazz Club, Stockholm
Norrbotten Big Band, cond. Outi Tarkiainen
Aili Ikonen, vocalist

April 21, 2012
Tampere Biennale, Tampere, Finland
Umo Jazz Orchestra, cond. Kari Heinilä
Aili Ikonen, vocalist

March 20, 2015
Piteå, Sweden
Norrbotten Big Band, cond. Outi Tarkiainen
Mirja Mäkelä, vocalist

March 21, 2015
Luleå, Sweden
Norrbotten Big Band, cond. Outi Tarkiainen
Mirja Mäkelä, vocalist