The Bagpipe Society

In the bag: Katariin Raska

Katariin Raska is Estonian multi-instrumentalist who plays torupill (Estonian pipes), soprano saxophone and jaw harp. Her work is based mainly around her instruments, their sound, histories and playing techniques.

Katariin has strong background in choral music and wind orchestras. By chance, at the age of 15 she started learning Scottish highland bagpipes and from thereon, little by little, Estonian traditional music started to open up to her. The curiosity towards the Estonian bagpipe lead Katariin to study it formally. She has BA in Estonian traditional music from University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy and BA and MA from Norwegian Academy of Music. During her time in Norway, Katariin began exploring the extended techniques of playing soprano saxophone and torupill. Inspired by free improvisation, she formed an ensemble called CULLE in 2015. Katariin is one of the front figures in Estonian jaws harp music and the revolutionist of improvisational music on Estonian bagpipes.

What bagpipes do you play?

I play torupill, bagpipes from Estonia

Do you play any other instruments?

Yes. Soprano sax, jaw harp and overtone flute

What led you to take up piping?

I am not entirely sure, but I think the never-ending sound of it was intriguing me somehow

Which pipers do you most admire?

Can’t really say I admire anyone. But I do have some kind of respect towards Estonian pipers who I have been getting to know through recordings and books.

Name three, non-piping-related musical influences:

Those influences are related to the feel of the music which have been following me ever since. The qualities I am after in my own interpretations.

Years back I was sitting in the first row listening to the quartet of saxophonist Chris Potter in jazz club in Oslo. I remember feeling something like the roof of the building will blow off – the music was so powerful and intense. So much energy. I was filled with a great joy and power of music for a long time after that experience.
Again at live show I was listening a solo fiddler. Hardanger fiddle player, playing a folk tune. I was really astonished by the connection between the player and his instrument and the music. The deepness of that moment was so very moving and intimately powerful.
Listening and watching concert of free improvisation, an acoustic guitarist and pianist. Musician’s communication between each other and with the music was amazing. The intuitive musical outcome very surprising and mind opening.

What three albums are top of your playlist right now?

I am not listening to anything particular at the moment.

If you had your life again, what instrument would you play?

Cello

Name your favourite music festival.

I don’t have a favourite……yet.

What are the most memorable gigs you’ve been to (involving pipes or not)?

The ones I described earlier.

What three words describe your piping style?

Lazy (in the sense of using ornaments)
Curious
Forward looking

Bellows or mouth-blown?

Mouth-blown, I have never tried bellows.

Cats or dogs?

It used to be dogs, but it’s cats at the moment.

Are there any bagpipes you dislike?

Not really, can’t say that. Some I just like more than others.

Do you prefer playing, dancing or both?

Definitely both.

Cane or plastic reeds? Cane

What’s your greatest musical achievement? Developing my personal musical language. It can be heard in my project Culle or even a bit in my bagpipe duo.

What’s your most embarrassing bagpiping moment? I sometimes carry my pipes in the case of soprano sax, so it is less things to carry. One time I had packed my instruments like that and, then having arrive at the concert venue, that I had forgotten to pack the mouth piece.

What’s the most annoying question you get asked about the bagpipes?

Is this bagpipe from Scotland? (people asking about torupill)

What advice would you give a novice?

Don’t overthink

I love bagpipes because…

It is an instrument with so many faces. And I love how it resonates with my body while playing it.