Urmas Sisask’s Starry Sky Cycle No. 2 „Southern Sky“, Op. 52

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On November 14, Urmas Sisask’s Starry Sky Cycle No. 2 „Southern Sky“, Op. 52 (1994–1995) will be performed in Kiwa, Tokyo. Extensive piece will be performed by Yuko Yoshioka (piano), Hiromichi Takagi (reader) and Tetsuo Aruga (video). Concert is organised by Music Potpourri in cooperation with Estonian Music Project founded by Japanes pianist Takahiro Akiba and Japan-Estonia Friendship Association.

This cycle of piano pieces is performed alternately with Aborigine myths. Both telescopic (nebulae in Centaurus, Tucana and other constellations, the Jewel Box in the Southern Cross) and visual observations (Coalsack in the Southern Cross, the Magellanic Clouds, and so forth) served as the basis for the writing of the notation of the Starry Sky Cycle. The cycle itself reflects the parts of the heavens determined by astronomers, not the visible constellations.

One source of Urmas Sisask’s (1960) music is interest for astronomy. In addition to the astronomy, Sisask’s work have been influenced by composer’s interest in shamanistic cultures as well as Estonian runo-songs. Also European tradition of sacred music, starting from Gregorian chant and medieval vocal polyphony and ending with the Lutheran choral harmony, is reflected in his music.