Veljo Tormis, the esteemed Estonian composer, presents a captivating collection of choral works that delve into the rich tapestry of Eastern European folk traditions. Released on January 1, 2000, under the Alba label, this album is a testament to Tormis' unique ability to blend minimalism with the raw, unfiltered beauty of folk music. Spanning a diverse range of cultural influences, the album features compositions inspired by Bulgarian, Russian, Hungarian, and Livonian folk songs, as well as Tormis' own evocative creations.
The album opens with "Bulgaaria triptuhhon" (Bulgarian Triptych), a three-part suite that captures the essence of Bulgarian folk music. Tormis then takes the listener on a journey through "Pohja-vene boliina" (North Russian Bylina), a powerful rendition of an ancient Russian epic tale. The album also includes three Hungarian folk songs, each one a gem of traditional music, and three Livonian folk songs, beautifully adapted for male choir.
Among the standout tracks are "3 Tahte" (3 Stars), a hauntingly beautiful composition, and "Rahvaste sopruse rapsoodia" (Peoples' Friendship Rhapsody), a celebration of unity and harmony. The album concludes with "Vainamoise tarkussonad" (Vainamoinen's Words of Wisdom), a profound piece inspired by the Finnish epic "Kalevala."
Performed by the Estonian National Male Choir, this album showcases the exceptional talent and dedication of the choir members, led by conductor Ants Soots. The choir's rich, resonant voices bring Tormis' compositions to life, creating an immersive and unforgettable listening experience.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, this album is a must-listen for anyone interested in choral music, minimalism, or the folk traditions of Eastern Europe. Veljo Tormis' masterful compositions and the Estonian National Male Choir's stunning performances make this album a true treasure.
2000 Alba2000 Alba
Tracks
Bulgaaria triptuhhon (Bulgarian Triptych): No. 1. Suvi (Summer)Veljo Tormis, Estonian National Male Choir, Iris Oja, Ants Soots
Bulgaaria triptuhhon (Bulgarian Triptych): No. 2. Ratas (Wheel)Veljo Tormis, Iris Oja, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
Bulgaaria triptuhhon (Bulgarian Triptych): No. 3. Maa haal (Voice of the earth)Veljo Tormis, Iris Oja, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
Pohja-vene boliina (North Russian Bylina)Veljo Tormis, Indrek Jurtsenko, Mareks Lobe, Alo Rammo, Estonian National Male Choir, Igor Tsenkman, Ants Soots
3 Ungari rahvalaulu: No. 1. Sulle, kallim… (Busulj, szivem, Be sad, my sweetheart)Veljo Tormis, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
3 Ungari rahvalaulu: No. 2. Kellel arm sudames… (Ki ez o iedesit igazan szereti, Who is the one who truly loved his darling…)Veljo Tormis, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
3 Ungari rahvalaulu: No. 3. Neljapaeva ohtul… (Csutortokon este, On Thursday evening…)Veljo Tormis, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
3 Tahte (3 Zvaigzner, 3 Stars)Veljo Tormis, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
3 Liivi rahvalaulu (Version for Male Choir): No. 1. Karjase paev (Koorapaint paava, The Herdboy’s Day)Veljo Tormis, Kadri Hunt, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
3 Liivi rahvalaulu (Version for Male Choir): No. 2. Vastlad (Vastalovad, Shrovetide)Veljo Tormis, Kadri Hunt, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
3 Liivi rahvalaulu (Version for Male Choir): No. 3. Unehiireke (Uniirki, We Winkie Mouse)Veljo Tormis, Kadri Hunt, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
Pildikesi Vormsi minevikust (Bilder ur Ormsos forflutna, Pictures from Vormsi's Past): No. 1. Sulase kaebus (Drangens klagan, The Complaint of a Farm Hand)Veljo Tormis, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
Pildikesi Vormsi minevikust (Bilder ur Ormsos forflutna, Pictures from Vormsi's Past): No. 2. Aidaukse taga (Vid visthusdorren, Outside the Storage Door)Veljo Tormis, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
Pildikesi Vormsi minevikust (Bilder ur Ormsos forflutna, Pictures from Vormsi's Past): No. 3. Pulmatants (Brollopsdans, Wedding Dance)Veljo Tormis, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
Vepsa talv (Vepsian Winter)Veljo Tormis, Andrus Kirss, Aivar Kaldre, Mati Valdaru, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
Kokko lenti koillisesta (The Eagle Flew from the North-east)Veljo Tormis, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
Rahvaste sopruse rapsoodia (Peoples' Friendship Rhapsody)Veljo Tormis, Igor Tsenkman, Andrus Kirss, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
Vainamoise tarkussonad (Vainamoinen's Words of Wisdom)Veljo Tormis, Siim Selis, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
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