Jordan Tetewsky: The Orchestra is the Violin

The violin is a versatile instrument, every composer knows this. We are taught very early on that the range, variance in expression, and overall tonal capabilities are fairly unmatched in the string family and especially the violin. Even so, from Mozart to Berlioz we would think that everything which can be done on the violin has been done.  So, imagine my surprise when stumbling upon the composer and performer; Jordan Tetewsky through his YouTube channel breathing freshness into the instrument that I frankly didn’t know was possible.

Tetewsky certainly embraces technology; the looping pedal seems to be a frequent tool in his works. We have seen this kind of innovation before, mostly from guitarists who perform solo but desire a more ensemble feel to their songs. With the violin, however; the looping and reverb effects take on a somewhat otherworldly quality, very futuristic, yet very approachable at the same time. It’s ethereal and often soundtrack-like in the best possible way. The rhythms generated from pizzicato breaths pulse underneath lush melodies  which always tend to stay interesting.

I suppose what is most interesting to me about Jordan Tetewsky’s pieces is that he manages to never fall into the boundaries of triteness in his works.  Electric violin has taken a little bit of a beating in recent years with the popularity of acts such as “Celtic Women” who tend to cater to the 40+ crowd. Tetewsky, on the other hand appears right in line with the best that contemporary/intelligent art has to offer.

More of Jordan Tetewsky’s pieces can be found through his YouTube channel here