Solaris

Piia Komsi's (b. 1967) new album 'Solaris' includes a collection of modern prayers, sung in six languages. The album contains works by some of Finland's leading composers, among others, Einojuhani Rautavaara, Tapio Tuomela, Aija Puurtinen, Heinz-Juhani Hofmann, as well as Mauno Järvelä. In addition to this, the selected collection of tracks for the album has been complemented with older church music, J.S. Bach's 'Aus Liebe' from St Matthew's passion, as well as French music and Russian vocal music. The album presents soprano Piia Komsi and the Zagros-string quartet, Anna Aminoff, flute and Pertti Eerola, organ.

The creation of Solaris came about as a result of Komsi's wish to commission some new work. The wish was also for various composers, representing different generations, to write different styles of spiritual music. 'The album project began at the Time of Music Festival at Viitasaari in 2003. At that time, I presented the works of Aleksander Raskatov and Dmitri Yanov-Yanovsk with Zagros. The music of these two artists had a great influence on our concert audience. From this experience, I got the idea to commission new compositions, with a theme connected to ecumenical spirituality', says Komsi on the beginning stages of the album.

The tracks on the album are of different musical styles and, thus, challenging for the singer. A soprano is required in the works to have an expansive register, as well as a diverse vocal range. In addition to Finnish, the album has singing in, among others, Latin, German, Swedish, as well as Northern Sami and Aramaic. Despite the challenging repertoire, as much authentic live material as possible was desired for the album, so the final result would be, in most part, a concert style album. The album was recorded in 2011 during the Kaustinen Chamber Music Week, with Markku Veijonsuo in charge of the recordings. The album will be released on the Proprius record label.

Komsi is one of the most prominent Finnish sopranos. She is a requested soloist both in Finland and abroad with a varied repertoire from baroque music to contemporary works. Piia Komsi is satisfied with the material on the album. 'I am extraordinarily lucky to have been able to work personally with all of these vivacious composers. It is a joy to perform these compositions each time!' she delights.