Related to the harp but positioned horizontally by the player, the kannel possesses an uncommon timbre, at times reminiscent of the harpsichord. Anna-Liisa Eller offers us a chance to discover this treasured symbol of Estonia's musical heritage courtesy of her own transcriptions of well-loved pieces by Couperin, Byrd, Dowland, and Rameau. This magical journey across centuries and musical styles, is rounded off by original improvisations and a contemporary work by the young Estonian composer Helena Tulve, in which the instrumen's myriad colors can shine through in all their rare variety.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.