Randalu’s set of shows featured three dates in three different locations: October 3rd in Hamilton, October 6th in Toronto, and October 8th in Ottawa. Central to the repertoire of these shows was Randalu’s latest recording titled “Dichterliebe,” which has garnered worldwide recognition for its outstanding interpretations of Robert Schumann’s famed song cycle of the same name. Based on German poet Heinrich Heine’s “Lyrisches Intermezzo”, a collection of 65 poems first published in 1823, “Dichterliebe” in a way even represents the epitome of romantic poetry set to music.
The recording of this song cycle is fantastic, but the music truly shines and takes flight when performed live. Everything is amplified, especially the emotions that are brought to life through Randalu’s fingers gliding over the keys. These impressions became very apparent the moment the piano virtuoso took the stage at the Cotton Factory in Hamilton. The cozy yet roomy space allowed for the music to fill the air and create an almost ethereal milieu. The audience took in every single note, raptly paying attention in order to not miss any nuances in the flowing melodies.
Throughout the performance, you could hear a pin drop; members of the audience were mesmerized and caught up within the details within his melodies.
An interesting quality to Randalu’s interpretations is that they’re so full of life and teeming with energy that they need room to “breathe”, almost as if they’ve taken on a life of their own and have become anthropomorphic. This all popped into mind watching the audience soak in the otherworldly musical experience. As the performance came to a close, Randalu was met with a joyous applause, a true testament to his incredible talent.
Coming back to this idea of contrast, while speaking with Estonian Music Week festival director Piret Noorhani, she mentioned an interesting point: “Randalu’s music is sophisticated, yet accessible and I think that’s why it speaks to and affects audiences the way it does.” That is a very fitting way to describe the pianist’s creations and, coincidentally, himself as well; charming and open, always willing to speak with those who are interested in his music. And so, the music and the man are one, and he walked onto stage in Toronto at Hugh’s Room with no real introduction needed. The music is an extension of him and speaks for itself. Throughout the performance, you could hear a pin drop; members of the audience were mesmerized and caught up within the details within his melodies. It’s interesting to watch individuals as they take in his music, it’s almost as if they are living through and experiencing every emotion that arises within the pieces; you can almost see the emotions play across their faces.
Randalu has a unique way of livening up the classical with his refreshing and thoughtful interpretations.
As the applause rang out in the historic church hall, it was clear that this was more than just a performance – it was an emotionally charged, immersive musical experience that each individual had been a part of. The performance was followed by an intimate reception where those interested could meet and speak to the musician.
Randalu has a unique way of livening up the classical with his refreshing and thoughtful interpretations. He is able to augment the emotions and nuances within the compositions while adding a modern element through contemporary chords and thematic passages without losing the original meaning and feeling of the pieces. This is a fascinating continuation of that idea of contrast. Each part of the song cycle has an incredibly distinctive feeling and Randalu brings forth the expressiveness through his own imaginative musical translations. These qualities were especially noticeable at Randalu’s final concert of the mini-tour at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Ottawa. The concert was in celebration of renowned Estonian-Canadian jazz pianist and music educator Armas Maiste’s 95th birthday, who was in attendance and clearly moved by the experience. The performance completed an interesting trifecta – all of the venues over the course of the tour were as if made for and tailored to Randalu’s music, they all allowed for his music to speak for itself and quite literally fill the air with melodies, it could breathe.
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church was yet another acoustically superb location where every note of the pieces could take on full significance and enabled Randalu’s interpretations to truly shine. Randalu was greatly applauded and the audience was truly positively affected by the experience. Randalu treated listeners to a fabulous encore which was a beautiful rendition of an Estonian classic, “Igaühel oma pill”. An intimate celebration of Maiste’s birthday and Randalu’s great set of shows took place at a cozy reception afterwards, during which the Estonian Ambassador to Canada, Margus Rava, presented a speech as well as others who wished to give Armas their best wishes. Armas’ wife Margit Viia-Maiste and the Estonian Embassy in Ottawa hosted the reception after the concert where birthday greetings from former students and colleagues were read and treats were enjoyed.
It is safe to say that Randalu has outdone himself once again and that this set of shows was more than just performances, it was a truly special series of unique musical experiences. We are all excited for and awaiting what the virtuoso will take on next! We would like to extend a special thanks to Rob Zeidler and the Cotton Factory team for making the Hamilton concert possible. Thank you to the venues and their teams for creating a wonderful concert atmosphere: Hugh’s Room Live and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Thanks to Margit Viia-Maiste and the Estonian Embassy in Ottawa for treating guests to such a wonderful reception. For a full review of the “Dichterliebe” album, refer to EE #13 Mar 15, 2024. This concert was part of 2024 EMW Concert Series and is a project by VEMU.
