in Reviews

A well-formed kaleidoscope

by Juha Torvinen

"The various stylistic influences from post-tonal classical to blues and jazz blend seamlessly together in Hille’s compositions; what is common in them seems to matter more than what is incompatible. A worthy principle to follow in any area of life."

The chamber music works of Sid Hille draw from many sources. This novel recording opens with Hille’s second string quartet in four movements. First, we hear minimalist groove, and soon after bluesy meditations. Then music moves on to a fast-curved tango-waltz (if such a term makes any sense) and further into the last movement packed with nervously stumbling rhythms. 

While the second quartet is inspired by colors, the third one is about physical forms (hence the title of the release, Farbformen). The first movement of the latter, Square, unfolds in double meter and the second, Triangular, in triple meter. The closing part of the third quatour, Circular, utilizes undulating musical motifs. Circular’s instrumentation – as well as that of CoCo, a witty quintet closing the release – brings to mind big band arrangements with their skillful allusions to sax, brass and rhythm sections. 

All in all, the various stylistic influences from post-tonal classical to blues and jazz blend seamlessly together in Hille’s compositions; what is common in them seems to matter more than what is incompatible. A worthy principle to follow in any area of life.

SID HILLE CAMERATA: Farbformen
Hille: Quatour no. 2 – In Farben; Quatour no. 3 – Equilibrium; CoCo
Maija Linkola (violin); Elina Viitasaari (violin); Lotta Poijärvi (viola); Markus Hohti (cello); Sid Hille (piano)
SatnaMusic CD 171

Sid Hille's new work is an April Jazz goes EMMA commission. The work is premiered on April 27, 2019.