By the early 1600s, the world was undergoing significant changes. Copernicus had placed the Sun at the center of the universe, Columbus had discovered America, the Church was going through the Reformation, and philosophers introduced new ideas about humanism and the individual’s role in society. As a result, rhetorics became an important part of school… Continue reading
It is not often that a theorbo player has the opportunity to premiere a contemporary piece of music that was originally composed for their instrument. However, in 2018, Estonian composer Ardo Ran Varres wrote the soundtrack for the movie “Self Made Cameraman,” directed by Hardi Volmer, and decided to incorporate the theorbo into certain sections… Continue reading
Background. Evolution of the Music Instructional Books Contemporary music education can be divided into two major categories: formal and informal instruction. The first is mostly associated with educational institutions, and the latter with all sorts of self-learners. The second group is often referred to as the MI (music instruction), and it covers musical instruments which… Continue reading
25th of March 2016. The ‘Lossimuusika‘ (literally ‘palace music’) is a well-respected series of professional chamber concerts that takes place in the summer residence of the emperor Peter I. With my long-time duo partner Leonora, we played a mixed program of J.S. Bach, C.P.E Bach, Couperin, Reinvere, Takemitsu, and Telemann. The latter was Leonora’s solo…. Continue reading
March 21st, 2015. The birthday of J.S. Bach is celebrated as the European Day of Early Music. At St Mikael’s, Tallinn. Ensemble Floridante: Meelis Orgse – baroque violin, Saale Fischer – harpsichord, Tõnu Jõesaar – viola da gamba, Kristo Käo – theorbo. Program: “Alla romana” About 50 listeners, which is pretty good considering there was another… Continue reading
March 5th, 2015, at St Luke’s Tartu. A beautiful contemporary sacral building and good acoustics, too. Audience: about 30, which is normal. The concert was part of the ‘Contemporary Music Festival dedicated to Heino Eller.’ We performed with a bit of an unusual ensemble: Kadri Sepalaan – violin, Külli Kudu – accordion, arrangements, Kristo Käo… Continue reading
During my recent stay in the United States, I had the rare chance to play a Martin guitar from 1921, which is in very good shape. I almost never touch anything that has other than gut or nylon strings, but this time, I thoroughly enjoyed playing this beautiful instrument. I think this is as close… Continue reading
The beginning of January 2015 saw two members of the Ensemble Floridante – Meelis Orgse and me – performing a duo program ‘Sensitive Baroque’ in the Hika Hall of the Hotel Promenade in Liepaja, Latvia. The program mostly consisted of works by the early Italian baroque masters but not only: Girolamo Kapsberger (1580 – 1651)…. Continue reading
Online music education has seen a rapid expansion with the proliferation of the internet, making it more accessible to people around the world. However, private music lessons can still be expensive, leading many individuals to rely on one-way instructional materials that provide information but do not offer any feedback. In a recent research paper (Käo,… Continue reading
Between Christmas and New Year I was invited to play with the Corelli Baroque Orchestra. The program consisted of music by Marc Antoine Charpentier: the famous Te Deum, Messe de Minuit pour Noel and a Concerto for strings. The concerts took place in the St John’s of Tartu and Tallinn. Both freshly renovated and beautiful… Continue reading