Welcome to a musical journey through my life, captured in my album Välähdyksiä, kohtaamisia ja tarinoita matkan varrelta (Glimpses, Encounters and Stories Along the Way). My name is Hannu Kiiski; I am a concert cellist who also performs music for a wide variety of occasions. This album grew out of my desire to preserve music from moments that do not necessarily belong in traditional concert settings, but rather reflect the many different shades of life.

My music brings people together at all kinds of gatherings, each with its own special place for music. These encounters take many forms: sometimes I provide music for a company Christmas party or a farewell celebration for a retiring boss; at other times, I perform at a fishing club's anniversary dinner, a wedding, a birthday celebration or a funeral. Sometimes my music finds its way into the room of an elderly person living alone, creating a moment of comfort and meaning. It was precisely these moments and their unique atmospheres that I wanted to capture on this album.

The greatness and emotional power of music remain the same, whether the audience consists of a packed concert hall or a single person in need of the comfort music can bring. I believe that the ability and the need to find meaning in life through music exist within all of us, regardless of our musical background. A masterpiece does not have to be long; its power can be distilled into just a few minutes, creating a profound atmosphere and a deep connection with the listener. Music's power is timeless and universal, carrying us through different situations and stages of life, bringing meaning and emotion along the way.

On this album, I perform miniature masterpieces that hold deep personal significance for me. At various stages of my life, and particularly now that I have retired from my principal position as a lecturer at the Sibelius Academy, I have found myself reflecting on life as a whole. What have I accomplished, and what have I left undone? What kinds of music have remained meaningful to me, and why?

These reflections led me to select pieces associated with encounters that have left a lasting impression on my life. Some remind me of meetings with remarkable composers, others tell stories of friendships with fellow musicians, while still others bring back memories of special moments shared with audiences.

The album is enriched by the contributions of four of my long-standing colleagues: Risto Lauriala, Valeria Resjan, Kaisa-Leena Hannikainen and Elina Pikkuhookana. I have shared countless musical experiences with them over the years, and our collaboration is deeply reflected in the music on this recording. I am also joined by a cello quartet consisting of students from the last cello class I taught at the Sibelius Academy.

I hope this album brings its listeners joy, peace and comfort. Glimpses, Encounters and Stories Along the Way is an invitation to join me on my musical journey and discover your own personal meaning in these moments.

Hannu Kiiski