Viking music

The musicgroup Tsakku was formed in 1996, inspired by the Rus-project. We are three stout women in the group. The ensemble produces old Finnish folkmusic using replicas of finds of instruments from the Viking age and the early Middle ages.

No written documents of Viking music have survived to our days. Through studies of the construction and sound of the instruments, we have formed an opinion of the melodic style of that period. The impact of the old Carelian folksongs is displayed in our vocal style. The musical compositions and arrangements are written by ourselves.

Members of the group:
Tiina-Emilia Riipinen - vocals, kantele, tinpipe
Pauliina Kumpulainen - vocals, kantele, shamandrum
Marja-Riitta Topcu - vocals, bowed harp, kantele, boneflute

Our music CD can be ordered from email marja-riitta.topcu@aanekoski.fi
The price is Euro 17 (~14 US$).

For more information about the group, instruments, concerts, bookings etc. please contact the group leader:
Marja-Riitta Topcu
email: marja-riitta.topcu@aanekoski.fi.

Tsakku achieved a great international success and was awarded a third place in The Contest for Vocal Ensembles at Tampere Choir Festival 9.-13.6.1999.
Here is the report of the international jury concerning Tsakku:
"As from another planet" - in a very positive sense. The performance and program are impressive, concentrated, whole and strong. Their simplicity is really striking. The group has musically good singers, who work very well together as a trio. Good and personal soli.
In some places small problems with the tune and technique. A broad tune and vocal scale which coloure the performance. Stylistically restricted, but in their own branch this is a high-class ensemble.

The group member Pauliina Kumpulainen advanced, among 1500 candidates, to the finale in the Finnish Idols 2005 song contest.

Get a piece of music, Iloni ikävä (AIF-format, 1.5 Mb)

More photos on Tsakku