Setting the tone with an emotive, elegant piano performance with an immersive frequency, Kepa Lehtinen opens Suru with instrumental mastery and a cinematic nature.
The Finnish composer’s versatility on the keys is tangible, whilst the opus allows for us to go inward and reflect, whilst experiencing a dramatic score, which could easily fit into a 007 film.
The ebbs and flow of the accompanying arrangement from the double bass and theremin invites us to connect in a dynamic and almost meditative manner with the piano performance, and needless to say, we are in awe.
Speaking on the release of Suru, the visionary composer says, “It’s a brief, meaningful rumination on grief that uses melody, space, and a minimalist approach to speak directly to the human soul.”
Speaking on his artistic journey, Kepa Lehtinen confesses, “I’ve noticed that the happier I am, the more sad music I make. There are interesting shades of sadness. Grief is not bad. In life, disaster is always lurking just around the corner but grief is a medicine in itself.”
We learn that the title of the work is the Finnish word for “grief”, and we feel the catharsis that manifests for both composer and listener. Kepa Lehtinen is also a sought-after film and TV composer, whose music has been used all over the world. His work was recently featured as the music for the internationally-released television series Made in Finland/Mobile 101, now available on Disney+.
We love what Kepa Lehtinen creates, and have added Suru to our New Music Spotlight playlist and our TIMELESS playlist , whilst we explore his wider discography, including It is ok to be sad and dark.