Introducing: The Vault
I’m opening up a not-so-secret collection right here on the site.
Outside of my original work, I casually study pieces from circa 1500 to 1970 to keep learning. It will likely broaden in the future.
Currently, I'm wrestling with Einojuhani Rautavaara's Piano Sonata No. 2, "The Fire Sermon”—and losing, because my arms are built like Corgi legs. But hey, what's a casual 12-hour wait in A&E for a sprained wrist when you can blame it on a kick-ass composition?
I fell in love with his music while being an art tourist (okay, nerd) in Helsinki way back when—a city where a bit of melancholy feels like a warm blanket. While there, I heard about the legend of the Black Ram at Olavinlinna Castle, in a place called Savonlinna, some miles northeast of the capital. A ram that saved a medieval fortress from a siege by convincing the invaders he was the devil? I didn’t get to go; otherwise, I'd be massively into it.
Anyway, I’m oversharing—which is exactly why I stay off social media!
While this classical music might lack the distorted tones, shrieking vocals, and blast-beat drumming I usually love, these timeless pieces have inspired a huge collection of enduring memories for me. As those close to me know, I am not generally a “classical head,” but I definitely have my favourites.
Take Vivaldi, for example. Antonio's music is a far cry from the constant tremolo picking of heavy guitars that I prefer as a listener. However, his compositions feature rapid repeated notes and fast, unmeasured bow strokes. This mimics a tremolando effect that I absolutely love adapting for the mandolin.
From my deaf perspective, there is no better feeling than going barefoot on a wooden floor to catch the rhythm and resonance of these arrangements. It crawls the skin and vibrates the bones. It is absolutely, bloody invigorating!
These tracks are not intended for widespread commercial release—although one or two will occasionally find a home in my new SoundCloud music journal. As this project is low-key, I’ll be adding new music pretty casually without sending regular email alerts. If you enjoy what you hear, pop back into The Vault or check my news page now and then to see what’s new.
Please feel welcome to drop your feedback anytime via my inbox link!