Personal Breath by Pepa Päivinen

Using classic instruments and simple composition, Pepa Päivinen and Jussi Miettola illuminate a story from their national history, bringing to life a story set in the deep of Scandinavian winter. A thrilling, and ultimately tragic, recounting of Finland’s 1918 civil war is brought to life by Woodwinds, Flutes, Seagull Merlin, Voice and Percussion. On “Personal Breath,” Päivinen’s layered melodies take center stage as lush instrumental overlays, inspiring emotion and building tension that’s released in the album’s natural arc. In the artist’s words, the project emulates a “warm breath on a cold winter day,” an overwhelmingly human feeling in Finland’s harsh invernal climate. The track 1.5.1918 is inspired by the play ‘Veriruusut’ (Bloodroses) KOM-theatre (Helsinki), about a Finnish Red Guard company, 36 women aged 15-23 years old who were caught and shot by the White Guard without trial on May 1, 1918. It was an event that changed the course of the war, involving the destiny of these women with that of a nation—and beautifully retold through rich baritones, whistling flutes and tempered percussion.

This is the latest offshoot of 577 Records dedicated to showcasing a catalog of digital albums