One of the remaining highlights of the Christmas Jazz concert series was the solo performance of composer Oleg Pissarenko, where he presented his latest album, Music of Your Condition, released earlier this year.
Oleg Pissarenko is a prominent figure not only in the Estonian music scene but also internationally. A tireless advocate of jazz, Pissarenko is renowned for his dedication to exploring the infinite possibilities of music and its ability to inspire and transform. Throughout his distinguished career, he has released 11 solo albums, performed countless solo concerts, and collaborated with numerous artists. Within the Christmas Jazz program alone, Oleg graced the stage twice – first in Tallinn with his solo concert and then in Pärnu in a duo performance alongside Guido Kangur. In recognition of his contributions to Estonian culture, Pissarenko was awarded the Fifth Class Order of the White Star in 2018.
For his solo Christmas Jazz performance, Pissarenko delved into Music of Your Condition (2024), an album that seeks to explore the deeper emotional and spiritual dimensions of music. Before the concert, he shared his vision for the album, emphasizing that it was not created to entertain but rather to heal. As the introduction of the album concluded, Oleg silently picked up his guitar and began his performance.
The setlist featured all the pieces from the new album. The concert began with a piece performed on guitar, Morning – a composition that felt like a journey to the countryside, where the sun is just beginning to rise. Of course, others may have felt something different, but for me, it was a poignant reminder of the quiet grace of dawn over open fields.
For the next piece, Promenade, Oleg switched from guitar to piano. Just as the instrument changed, so did the music itself. Gone were the gentle morning vibes, replaced by a poignant mix of melancholy and solitude. Whether walking along a promenade or anywhere else. Once the piece ended, Oleg returned to the guitar, seamlessly continuing the musical journey. The concert unfolded in this manner, with the musician alternating between guitar and piano. The music constantly shifted, moving from quiet and delicate to more intense and powerful moments, and then back again.
For some, the continuous switching between instruments – from guitar to piano and back – might pose slight challenges in fully immersing themselves in the program. The stark contrast between the sounds of the guitar and piano can momentarily interrupt the flow of the musical journey. On the other hand, many people find this drastic shift in sound exciting and refreshing, making such a program perfectly suited to their tastes. Before starting the concert, Oleg mentioned that, although he usually enjoys talking during his performances, for this program, he wanted to let the music speak for itself. True to his word, there were no small talks between the pieces – a decision that, without a doubt, proved to be the right one.
As the concert neared its end, the audience requested an encore. Oleg asked whether they preferred something fast or a slower piece. After the crowd opted for something faster, he played Remember Yourself – a composition that had never been performed before, even for his wife. It was a beautiful conclusion to the evening, leaving a sense of mystery and something intangible yet undeniably felt.
A concert – a mystery, a fairytale — crafted by Oleg Pissarenko for the Kumu audience. It was a unique experience, where each person could choose their own musical journey and decide where it would lead them.
Oleg Pissarenko – Music of Your Condition
14th of December 2024, 5 pm at Kumu auditorium
Photo: Sven Tupits