Madis Muul’s Echoes of Layers brings modern classical depth with Indian influences to chamber music.
With String Quartet No. 1 “Echoes of Layers”, Estonian composer and pianist Madis Muul takes listeners on a compelling sonic journey. Performed by the Muul Ensemble, the work fuses contemporary European classical structures with subtle Carnatic music elements, offering a richly textured listening experience.
At its heart, the piece was inspired by a simple walk through the woods, which Muul translates into a multi-dimensional narrative through sound. The composition unfolds in three parts:
- Horizon. Unfolding: Opens the journey with a wide and simple frame.
- Growth. Time: Reflects natural transformation, influenced by the 1910 short film The Birth of a Flower.
- Depths. Cells: Explores internal worlds through resonance similar to the tampura’s harmonic depth.
Muul’s broad musical background — spanning jazz piano training in Italy and composition studies in the Netherlands — adds depth to his compositional voice. His partnership with Giridhar Udupa, known for his mastery in Indian percussion, enhances the cultural layers of the quartet.
Having earned recognition such as the Estonian Theater Award (2022) and placing second at the International Songwriting Awards, Muul continues to push boundaries. His music has been described by All About Jazz as “cosmic, tender, and deeply immersive.”
Muul is planning to follow up with String Quartet No. 2 in spring 2026, with a special vinyl edition that will pair both works.
