photo: Taavi Avus<\/p>\n\n
The Estonian group Puuluup will introduce us to the sound of the talharpa. This traditional instrument, once associated primarily with the Swedish community on Vormsi Island, has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. The talharpa miraculously survived into the 20th century and, despite its rarity, has garnered increasing interest due to its unique and enchanting sound. \n \nPuuluup’s performance is a true testament to their originality. They skillfully incorporate traditional instruments into their music in a completely fresh and unexpected way. Prepare to be amazed by their own compositions, contemporary satirical lyrics, electronic effects, and experimental playing techniques. Ramo Teder and Marko Veisson, the talented members of Puuluup, are sure to delight the audience with their innovative and captivating musical journey. \n<\/p>\n\n
Puuluup was formed in 2014 by two talharpa enthusiasts Ramo Teder and Marko Veisson. Ramo Teder, a talented multi-instrumentalist, is renowned for his extensive solo project called Pastacas. He has been a pioneer in looping in Estonia for the past two decades. Marko Veisson, on the other hand, has a background in anthropology and his experiences in Northern Ghana, along with his love for West-African music, have greatly influenced Puuluup\u2019s unique style.<\/p>\n\n
Puuluup play their own compositions on the talharpas, which are traditional bowed lyres that have been popular in Northern Europe since the early Middle Ages. These instruments were played on the Western Estonian islands until the early 20th century. In their performances, Puuluup explores various sounds by manipulating the vibrations of the talharpa’s horsehair strings through effect blocks and loopers. They also incorporate alternative bowing and drumming techniques. The mellow sighs of the talharpa are paired with electronically amplified echoes, knocks, creaks and crackles, while still maintaining the instrument\u2019s natural sound. \n \n<\/p>\n\n
They play with music just like they play with words, sometimes creating their own language. As a side dish, Puuluup also offers a unique choreographic element that has organically developed during their extensive rehearsal sessions. <\/p>\n\n
Due to their innovative approach to the talharpa, Puuluup has been honoured with multiple music awards in Estonia, including Best Band, Best Ensemble, and Best Album. Their popularity in Estonia and abroad is rapidly growing. The band has performed in many countries, including Canada, USA, China, Chile, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Macedonia, Hungary, Slovenia, Ukraine, and Taiwan \n \nThe lineup consists of Ramo Teder, who plays the talharpa, provides vocals, and operates the looper and effects pedals, and Marko Veisson, who also plays the talharpa, contributes vocals, and manages the effects pedal board. \nLineup: \nRamo Teder – talharpa, vocal, looper and effects pedals \nMarko Veisson – talharpa, vocal, effects pedal board<\/p>\n\n
The talharpa, once popular throughout Northern Europe since the early Middle Ages, gradually fell out of favour and was replaced by more modern instruments in most regions. However, in Western Estonia and Karelia, the tradition of playing the talharpa persisted until the early 20th century. In Estonia, the talharpa was predominantly played by the Swedish population and enjoyed particular popularity on Vormsi Island, where it remained the dominant musical instrument until the late 19th century.<\/span>
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\nUnfortunately, during a period of religious awakening led by Swedish missionary Lars Johan \u00d6sterblom, the locals on Vormsi Island came to believe that the talharpa was an instrument of the devil. As a result, they gathered their talharpas and burned them. Only a few individuals held onto their instruments and continued to play. With the outbreak of the Second World War, most of the Vormsi population emigrated to Sweden, leading to the decline and eventual extinction of the talharpa tradition.<\/span>
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\nHowever, half a century later, the talharpa tradition was revived by a small group of enthusiasts from Sweden, Finland, and Estonia. Puuluup plays a significant role in the Estonian talharpa revival by popularizing the instrument and inspiring new individuals to join the talharpa community. It is worth noting that Puuluup’s approach to the talharpa is quite unique. They electrify and loop the instrument, often employing experimental playing techniques. While their music pays homage to the old tradition, it also brings a fresh and innovative take on the instrument.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0},"kategoria_wydarzenia":[],"edycja":[300],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n