Tõnu Kõrvits: I Write Every Work as if It Were My Last
Estonian composer Tõnu Kõrvits, honored for his new works, expresses his commitment to treating each creation as if it were his final piece.
Tõnu Kõrvits, who has recently won the cultural capital's annual award for sound art for his compositions "Aroha" and "Aastaajad," emphasizes that he approaches every work with a profound sense of urgency, as though it were his last. His impressive body of work spans various genres, and he is equally recognized as an arranger of popular music and an active DJ. The new compositions were developed during a residency with the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, highlighting the collaborative nature of his recent creative endeavors.
The piece "Aroha" is particularly inspired by a serendipitous encounter with Maori culture during a trip to New Zealand, where Kõrvits encountered a poem about two lovers destined to be apart. This connection to the universal themes of love resonates throughout his artistic output, which often draws from both contemporary and traditional influences. His creative process reflects a deep engagement with cultural narratives and a desire to convey emotive stories through music.
Regarding seasons, Kõrvits expresses a fondness for late spring and early summer, which infuses his works with a sense of vitality and renewal. His approach underscores the cyclical nature of inspiration and art, as each piece not only represents a moment in time but also contributes to an ongoing dialogue within the artistic community. As a result, Tõnu Kõrvits continues to occupy a significant space in Estonia's cultural landscape, pushing the boundaries of musical expression while remaining grounded in personal and universal themes.