About Wintersleep
A haunting lullaby steeped in Irish influence, “Wintersleep” blends Uilleann pipes, tin and low whistles (Ella Zlotos), with the delicate tones of a Trinity College harp replica (Marta Masciola).It captures the essence of finding solace in rest during dark times, a promise that even in the bleakest winters, renewal and inner strength await upon waking.
Now it’s either the wonderful pipe melody, the addictive and instantly memorable ear worm of the chorus, or overall sheer cavernous emotional depth that will make you want to come back for more!
Pearl Hunting review by Oli Gonzalez
🇩🇪 ELLA ZLOTOS
ELLA ZLOTOS (Ephemeral, Saor) is a flutist, whistle player, bagpiper and vocalist currently based in Würzburg, Germany. Her musical journey began in childhood, leading her to explore Irish and Scottish traditional music during her studies in Ireland. Ella has performed with various folk, rock, and metal bands, as well as orchestras and music theatre ensembles.
🇮🇹 MARTA MASCIOLA
MARTA MASCIOLA, aka Alauna, is a folk harpist influenced by master harpists from Brittany. She began performing live at Celtic festivals and medieval events in Italy, playing traditional repertoire pieces arranged by her. Alauna continued her studies at the Conservatory of L’Aquila under Maestra Maria di Giulio. She specializes in the ancient wire-strung harp and is currently working on multiple projects, including collaborations with musicians from various genres.
Ethnic instruments used in Wintersleep
Uilleann pipes
The uilleann pipes, originating from Ireland, are a complex and expressive instrument deeply rooted in Celtic tradition. Also known as Irish bagpipes, they consist of a bag, bellows, chanter, and drones. The uilleann pipes produce a softer and more melodious sound compared to Scottish bagpipes, making them well-suited for both solo performances and ensemble playing.
Tin whistle & low whistle
The tin whistle, also known as the penny whistle or feadóg, is a simple yet versatile wind instrument with a long history in traditional Irish and Scottish music. Made of metal, typically brass, it produces a clear, flute-like tone. The low whistle is a larger variant tuned one or two octaves below, adding richness and warmth to traditional melodies and ballads.
Trinity College harp
The Trinity College harp, also known as “Brian Boru’s harp,” is a medieval Irish wire-strung harp (cláirseach) dating back to the 14th or 15th century. It is one of the oldest surviving Gaelic harps. Marta’s harp in Wintersleep is a replica of this iconic instrument, made with phosphor bronze and silver strings for an authentically Celtic sound. The harp’s shape is familiar as it is used by brands like Guinness and is engraved on Irish coins.
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