In this issue, Eesti Elu and Estonian Music Week continue to share *un-edited* articles from the VEMU Estonian Museum Canada archives, about memorable events of the past. Read on for an intriguing piece discussing the freedom and ingenuity of composer Udo Kasemets, originally published [written by Tõnu Naelapea] in Meie Elu newspaper on April 19th, 2000.
An article with this title dominated the front page of the arts and culture section of Canada’s leading newspaper, The Globe and Mail, on April 11th. Elissa Poole explains the title by saying that Kasemets’ interpretation is literally from the original Greek word—meaning “without a ruler.”
The term has been abused in politics, usually associated with political violence, with a disapproval of legality. According to Kasemets, however, anarchism means freedom, the possibility of the creative spirit moving. And those who have read Proudhon would certainly agree.
The long and thorough article discusses Kasemets’ contribution to Canada as a composer, critic, and also as an introducer of other composers. The composer, who celebrated his 80th birthday in November, shows no signs of slowing down. Rather, time plays no role for Kasemets. A fondness for mathematics, which has never been an abstract observation of numbers but an attempt to explain nature, has influenced Kasemets’ work. I Ching and quantum mechanics have been influential on the sounds of recent years.
Poole admits that Kasemets’ work cannot be considered “easy listening.” The challenge of the composer’s achievements is a confirmation: by avoiding traditional musical milestones, Udo Kasemets deliberately forces the listener to follow along with a fresh interpretation of the music.
Since I myself have positively linked together self-expression and anarchism, it was more than pleasant to read an appreciative article that honestly presented the contributions of the esteemed composer.
At Innis Town Hall on May 25th at 5:00 p.m., watch Ensemble U: perform the music of Udo Kasemets, providing the soundtrack to an “augmented reality enhanced cosmic journey.” Find all of the details at estonianmusicweek.ca.
