Press

"The listener may or may not keep in mind the theme of involuntary childlessness that underlies the work, but as pure music Markku Klami's Violin Concerto: A Requiem made a deep impression. It does not strive for outward display; instead, it speaks powerfully through its inner voices.

In this concerto, Klami has created an exceptionally refined sound world, in which the rich orchestral writing and the solo violin communicate with sensitivity and natural ease. Stylistically, the musical language even approaches neo-Romanticism or neo-Classicism, yet feels fresh and avoids cliché. The interplay of light and shadow resonated movingly and beautifully, both in the orchestra and in the nuanced performance of violinist Maria Puusaari."

Harri Hautala, Aamulehti

"Klami’s expressive and at times breathtakingly beautiful musical language left a thoroughly personal impression."

Mats Liljeroos, Hufvudstadsbladet

"The character of Klami's song cycle Elegia is balanced and bears a close relationship between the poems and music. At the end of the second song, the soprano solo takes on a depth of sacred music."

Harri Hautala, Aamulehti

"Klami writes rather delicate music that makes me think of Japan."

Timo Korhonen, guitarist

"Ambience I: Burning weaves its mesmerizing clarinet material together with ambient soundtrack of pre-recorded tapestries, coming up with an instantly appealing synthesis of texture and color.

Accessible in the best sense of the word, the score is far from mere sonic backdrop, thanks to its nuanced construction and intriguing harmonic layout. One looks forward to Klami’s next installments in the series with eager joy."

Jari Kallio, Adventures in Music

"The scarce gestures in Klami's aava created imaginative electric soundscapes."

Jukka Isopuro, Helsingin Sanomat

"into the deep peace took off as if from thin, quivering air and the landscape was calmly built both horizontally and vertically – I saw both mountains and the horizon and mighty trees in front of me.

The upper notes conjured up the night sky and the beautiful, stable fifths created the impression of peace."

Tove Djupsjöbacka, Kuoromusiikin Kausikonsertit

"Klami does not use any text in his night signal. The succinct, clear and captivating miniature replaces words with vocal variations and changing overtones."

Lauri Kilpiö, Suomen Kuvalehti

"Markku Klami's Elegia to the poems by Katja Klami is a beautiful union of music and lyrics. Klami doesn't use very modernist techniques, which gives the text a lot of room. The textures are harmonious and full-bodied.

Katja Klami's strong, expressive poems are timeless and topical, even heartbreaking."

Kikka Holmberg, Kulttuuritoimitus