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Writer's pictureRiccardo Pes

Nordic Breath: A Cello’s Ode to the Winds of Stac Pollaidh

Nestled in the wild heart of the Scottish Highlands, Stac Pollaidh offers one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. Its rugged peaks, endless skies, and sweeping views over Assynt have inspired countless adventurers and artists alike. As a musician, this awe-inspiring terrain stirred something deep within me—a longing to connect with the landscape through music. That’s how my performance of Nordic Breath came to life, transforming a solitary hike into a profound artistic experience.



Music often comes from within, but the Highlands of Scotland have a unique way of pulling art out of you. As I ascended the jagged slopes of Stac Pollaidh, I found myself captivated by the harsh beauty of the land. The ever-shifting clouds, the wind rushing through the valleys, and the mist that clung to the mountaintops seemed to tell a story of both power and serenity. It was here, surrounded by nature’s raw elements, that I knew I had to perform Nordic Breath—a composition deeply connected to this northern landscape and its untamed spirit.


As I ascended Stach Pollaidh, a majestic mountain in the Scottish Highlands, I was struck by the raw beauty of the landscape. It was this very essence that inspired my piece, Nordic Breath. Each note I played sought to encapsulate the spirit of the mountain, translating its awe-inspiring features into music.


That day, the wind howled fiercely, sounding like a scream—a voice that demanded to be heard. It added a haunting backdrop to my performance, enhancing the emotional weight of the moment. Playing in such challenging conditions, with my fingers numbed by the cold, was no easy feat, yet it deepened my connection to the environment. The struggle only made each note more significant, as I fought against the elements to express what the landscape was inspiring in me.


Nordic Breath will forever be tied to this stunning landscape, a piece of music inseparable from the wild beauty that inspired it



🙏 This was only made possible thanks to public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, Agostino Bran, Nicla Bravin, Silvana Vassili, Massimo De Mattia, Luigina Perosa, Izabela Puszczykowska, Brenda Neece, CelloMuseum.org



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