For electro-acoustic accordion, cello with electronics

 I understand that I´m responsible for the fact that the otherness and dissimilarity are not to be destroyed, but that otherness and difference are things from which I am also made and in relation to which I can exist and live. 

-Philosopher Juha Varto (free translation of the quotation by Minna Leinonen)

photo: Minna Leinonen

(Dis)similar was composed out of Harri Kuusijärvi´s and Markus Hohti´s need to get new repertoire for the combination as well as their desire to get to know the possibilities of the extended instruments together with the composer. The fact that the instruments have different electronic qualities brought own spice to project involving collaboration: the accordion is electro-acoustic, while the acoustic cello is equipped with an effect pedal. In the work and in the details of its electronic implementation, space has been left for the performers´ interpretation. The piece contains contrasting characters that overlap, merge into one and differs both in their sonorous qualities and at the level of the ideas of the piece. Philosopher Juha Varto´s thought influenced the composition: I understand that I´m responsible for the fact that the otherness and dissimilarity are not to be destroyed, but that otherness and difference are things from which I am also made and in relation to which I can exist and live.

The work is dedicated to Harri Kuusijärvi and Markus Hohti, who commissioned this work, for their fantastic collaboration. 

The work was composed with the help of Teosto and Arts Promotion Centre Finland.

Performances

F.p. 3rd December 2022 in Kallio hall, Helsinki.

Harri Kuusijärvi, electro-acoustic accordion and Markus Hohti, cello with electronics