Overview

Ensemble Resonabilis (resonabilis lat. – ringing, sounding) consists of an unique combination of instruments – voice, flute, cello and kannel.

Kannel is a string instrument spread in the Baltic countries and Finland under different names and forms. Kannel resembles to some extent to German Zither or Turkish kanun.

Kannel is played in horisontal position, the strings are plucked with fingers. Its origins are prehistoric - extending to thousands of years. Nowadays Estonian kannel has developed into sophisticated concert instrument – its four octaves of chromatic steel strings produce a particularly beautiful and resonating sound, it is possible to play almost any music from Bach to the very contemporary repertore. Thanks to its flexibility and sound qualities, kannel blends notably well with the classical instruments, opening thus a new road for further development in the contemporary music.

Resonabilis was founded in 2002 by Tarmo Johannes and Kristi Mühling. The first performance was given in the Autumn Festival of Estonian Academy of Music with the premiere of „Florete flores“ by Kristjan Kõrver. The first full concert, „Resonances“, took place on April 9, 2003 during the festival Days of Estonian Music 2003. The ensemble is constantly extending its repertoire in co-operation with different composers.