In 2023 I released a collaborative album by Albanian musicians Bledi Boraku and Mardit B. Lleshi, called 'Saggio'. Whilst chatting to the artists, they shared a live performance of their cello and guitar performances and I loved the live and improvised approach. Mardit got in touch with me after the release, in the hope of releasing his solo album 'Momenta' and being a lover of the cello as an instrument, I was excited to hear it. It did not disappoint and I was also surprised at the level of detail and depth in the album, as it goes beyond the already wonderful sounds to be heard in Saggio. Mardit had recorded a live video of his track 'Pedantephone' and I was truly amazed! I probably don't need to write any more about what it's like, as the play button is just below...

Mardit and I also chatted about his live performance work and his wider musical influence and practice. Read on below to learn more!

HT: Hello Mardit! Can you tell us a bit about your approach to performing live? How much planning do you do? Do you pay much attention to the filming too such as lighting, setting etc?

ML: "As I am one person doing all of this, it takes hours for me to prepare all of the sound equipment and loop sessions. I have to think carefully so that I can maintain control of everything. As for filming, no I don’t pay too much attention to this. Of course, I want to have good quality lighting and the right setting, but it depends on many things."

HT: How did performing 'Pedantephone' live differ from the studio recording experience? Are there any unique techniques or improvisational elements you bring to the live version?

ML: "I was aware that the live version of Pedantephone was not going to sound exactly like the album version. I played bass, then guitar, and set the sampler and pad, before taking the cello to improvise bazed on the theme and mood of the background track I created. The harmony and the mood of the track is the same as the album version, and this was very important to me to maintain the right approach with the listeners."

HT: What do you hope listeners take away from watching this live performance? Is there an emotional or creative response you’re hoping to evoke through this piece?

ML: "I’d want every listener to have their own personal perception of what they see and hear, but I want my performance to hopefully captivate them."

HT: How has your journey as a cellist and composer evolved over the years? Are there specific experiences or shifts in your music style that have shaped the sound of Monumenta?

ML: "I think an artist in their work must always be on a quest and evolve in a natural process. For me it is also a thinking process, to bring new things that are different from other albums but not losing the character that defines me as a composer. People should always recognise the style even though an artist is on an evolution. So in Monumenta I wanted to add new elements that were different from my other albums, but keeping everything in control. Cello is the main instrument that shapes the sound of the album but I used it in different ways such as a solo theme, as a harmonised sample, and as Ambient texture. Cello has always been the core part of my creativity, walking arm in arm with me."

HT: Do you have any favorite artists or influences who inspire your work?

ML: "There are many but I will mention a few of them from classical to contemporary; Bach, Mozart, Mahler, Schnittke, Ligeti, Arvo Pärt, Gorecky, Tavener, J.L.Adams and Steve Reich. these are some of the composers that in one way or another have influenced me"

You can follow Mardit's work in the following places:

Instagram

'Monumenta' is available now in a short run of limited edition record-wallet custom print vinyl-effect CDrs and in a range of high quality digital formats. You can take a listen to the album in full and buy a copy HERE!