For the opening night of the 36th Tallinn International Festival Jazzkaar, something truly special was prepared for the audience – a captivating performance by Estonian pianist Kristjan Randalu and his quintet, offering a fresh interpretation of Jaan Räät’s Marginalia.
The honor of opening this year’s festival went to a name well known to Jazzkaar audience – Kristjan Randalu. His connection to the festival dates back to the early 2000’s, when he first graced the stage. This time, however, Randalu chose not to highlight his own compositions, but instead to pay tribute to another great Estonian talent – composer Jaan Rääts (1932–2020).
The two artists shared more than a mutual respect – they knew each other personally and professionally, with Rääts serving as both mentor and creative influence to Randalu.
Rääts’ 24 Marginals was originally composed in 1979 and published as Marginalia in 1981. Over the years, the composer created several variations of the work – for solo piano, electronics and two pianos. Thanks to this adaptability, Marginalia has inspired a wide range of performances and recordings since its release, and Kristjan Randalu is among those who have continued to explore and reinterpret its unique sonic language.
At the opening concert of the Jazzkaar festival, Randalu was joined on stage by a remarkable lineup of musicians who helped bring the reinterpretation of Marginalia to life – Norwegian guitarist and electronic musician Eivind Aarset, Taavi Kerikmäe on synthesizers, Mihkel Mälgand on double bass, and Hans Kurvits on drums.
From the very start of the concert, it was clear we were in for something special. The addition of electronics and synthesizer transformed each piece into something entirely new. The opening composition moved dramatically – from a calm, melodic beginning to more intense, textured sounds. Layers of guitar and synthesizer transported you to vastly different places: one moment, a deserted beach; the next, a quite forest at night. At least, that’s how it felt – goosebumps and all.
At times it felt like we were entering outer space – otherworldly, with subtle robotic sounds on the background. Then suddenly, the atmosphere would shift, and we’d find ourselves in what felt like a classical jazz concert, filled with warm, familiar melodies that the ears could easily follow. The texture of sounds was at times complex and unpredictable, but that’s exactly what made the concert so captivating – a constant stream of surprises, never quite knowing what would come next. The musicians moved seamlessly from one piece to another, yet offered no clues about what to expect. Isn’t that precisely what Jaan Rääts intended with his electronic interpretation of Marginalia? Without a doubt, he did.
Of course, the talented Kristjan Randalu didn’t forget about his quintet, giving each musician a chance to shine with a solo. Yet, each solo felt seamlessly woven into the fabric of Marginalia – not as interruption, but as perfect extension of the composition. Although the audience respectfully held their applauses between pieces, Mihkel Mälgand’s solo on the double bass broke that silence, earning him a well-deserved wave of applause.
But while Mihkel Mälgand rightfully earned praise for his solo, it would be impossible not to mention Taavi Kerikmäe. His deep engagement with each piece, paired with his subtle, fluid movements in sync with the music, captivated the audience. His presence wasn’t just heard – it was deeply felt.
When the encore ended, the audience sat in a brief, stunned silence – taking a few quiet seconds to process what they had just experienced: the intricate compositions, the rich textures of sound, and the waves of emotion that had washed over them throughout the concert. That moment of stillness felt like an unspoken message from the musicians: “This is what we created for you today.” A truly beautiful moment of unity between the performers and the audience.
For those who haven’t yet heard the 24 pieces from Jaan Rääts’ Marginalia – take the time to discover the music of this remarkable Estonian composer. Explore it in its various forms – whether as a solo piano version or in its electronic reinterpretation. And once you do, seek out a recording of this concert. It will feel like uncovering an entirely new version of the 1981 original. Believe me – it’s worth it.
Kristjan Randalu “Marginalia and Dividends“
20th of April 2025, Von Krahl
The band:
Kristjan Randalu – piano
Eivind Aarset – guitar & electronics
Taavi Kerikmäe – keyboards & electronics
Mihkel Mälgand – double bass
Hans Kurvits – drums