Marrit Gerretz-Traksmann

b. April 16, 1971 Tallinn
Member of the Association of Estonian Professional Musicians since 2002

Pianist Marrit Gerretz-Traksmann is one of the most sought-after chamber ensemble partners in Estonia. She graduated from Tallinn Music High School, where he studied piano with Merike Bürger and Bruno Lukk. In 1989–1997, he continued her studies at the Estonian Academy of Music under the guidance of Bruno Lukk, Anna Klas and Peep Lassmann. In 2002, she obtained a master’s degree from the Estonian Academy of Music in the chamber ensemble class of Prof Marje Lohuaru. Marrit Gerretz-Traksmann has improved her skills at the Sibelius Academy with Prof Liisa Pohjola. She has won 1st prize at the Ústi nad Labem International Competition for Young Pianists in the Czech Republic (1982).

Marrit Gerretz-Traksmann has appeared in numerous chamber ensembles both in Estonia and abroad. She had a long-term collaboration with piano trio New Tallinn Trio, which also included violinist Harry Traksmann and cellist Kaido Kelder. The trio won 2nd prize at the International Johannes Brahms Competition in Gdansk (2000) and gave concerts in many European countries and in the U.S.

As a soloist, Marrit Gerretz-Traksmann has performed with the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, NDR Radiophilharmonie, Bialystok Symphony Orchestra, Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra and others. She has recorded several works by Estonian and foreign composers at the Estonian Public Broadcasting both for radio and television. She has also recorded Estonian music for record labels ECM and Harmonia Mundi. She has participated in performances of Lamentate by Arvo Pärt at the Arvo Pärt Festival in Białystok, Poland (2003) and at the Hradec Králové Music Forum in the Czech Republic (2011).

Marrit Gerretz-Traksmann teaches chamber music at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre (since 1997), and piano and chamber music at Tallinn Music High School. She has been one of the organisers of the international youth chamber music festival In Corpore and teaches chamber music at the summer course In Corpore in Rakvere. The students of the Marrit Gerretz-Traksmann chamber ensemble include many of the outstanding musicians of the younger generation of Estonia today. Young pianist Tähe-Lee Liiv, who is the winner of many international competitions, including the 9th Estonian Piano Competition (2019) and the popular TV competition Classic Stars 2020, has received the most recognition among her piano students.

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The contrasts of frightening power and silent sorrow of this work [Lamentate] remind even a bit of the collages made by Pärt in the 1960s. The piano score of the work also demanded expression from utmost force to supreme tenderness. The alert and precise usage of the musical material by Marrit Gerretz-Traksmann who has shown herself well in chamber music made one listen. Played by her, the beautiful side of the work sounded chilly and solid, without any exaggeration in feeling: sad-bright, motif as repeating the prayer.
Evi Arujärv. Of God, Evil and Beauty. - Postimees, April 11, 2005

But in Lamentate (2002) for piano (Marrit Gerretz-Traksmann) and orchestra, the whole new Pärt opened up for the audience. /…/ The second episode of the work where the piano solo with its tenuous minor chords is in the leading role took the listeners again to the inner-looking world of sound. The piano score is not virtuosic in concert sense but in the way of sound – how to bind the silent piano notes to each other with pedal, how to express much with few tools. In which the pianist decorously succeeded, both playing alone and in ensemble with other instruments. /…/ The elaborate performance of Pärt’s creation by soloists, choir and orchestra, also the dedication of conductor Eri Klas without any reservation, brought the logical outcome – listeners in the hall that was sold out until the last seat applauded standing. This concert can be remembered for a long time!
Igor Garshnek. Arvo Pärt at Four-Decade. - Sirp, April 15, 2005

The concert led by Eri Klas offered a chance to enjoy the simple power, beauty and meanings of Pärt’s music but at times it was forced to strain because of a few false notes in the performance. The piano solos by Marrit Gerretz-Traksmann will be memorized from the festival with their beauty of sound.
Anneli Remme. Estonian Music Boiled Gastronomeously. - Areen, April 18, 2005

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