Veljo Tormis, a renowned figure in the world of choral music, presents a captivating collection of his works in "Veljo Tormis: Choral Music." Released on April 1, 2008, under the Hyperion label, this album is a testament to Tormis' mastery of minimalism and his deep connection to Estonian and Livonian musical heritage. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 11 minutes, the album is a rich tapestry of traditional themes and innovative choral arrangements.
The album opens with two songs set to the words of Ernst Enno, followed by a suite of Estonian game songs that showcase Tormis' ability to transform folk material into sophisticated choral compositions. The third section delves into the epic "Kalevipoeg," offering a glimpse into Estonia's mythological past. Tormis' exploration of Livonian heritage is particularly noteworthy, featuring five pieces that highlight the unique cultural and musical traditions of this Baltic region.
The album's latter half is dedicated to autumn landscapes, with seven pieces that paint a vivid sonic picture of the changing seasons. Tormis' sensitivity to nature and its cycles is evident in these compositions, which range from the gentle "On hilissuvi" to the evocative "Külm sügisöö." The album concludes with four Estonian lullabies, offering a soothing and intimate finale to this diverse collection.
Throughout the album, Tormis' signature minimalist style shines, with intricate rhythms, haunting melodies, and a deep respect for the choral tradition. "Veljo Tormis: Choral Music" is a compelling exploration of cultural identity, nature, and the human experience, as seen through the lens of one of Estonia's most celebrated composers.
2 Songs to Words by Ernst Enno: I. Noore suve muinasjutt "Early Summer’s Fairy Tale"Veljo Tormis, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
2 Songs to Words by Ernst Enno: II. Kuulmata kuskil kumiseb kodu "Soundlessly Somewhere Murmurings Homeward"Veljo Tormis, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
3 Estonian Game Songs: I. Käsikivimäng "The Grindstone Game"Veljo Tormis, Fiona Challacombe, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
3 Estonian Game Songs: II. Sõrmemähkimismäng "The Finger-Binding Game"Veljo Tormis, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
3 Estonian Game Songs: III. Laevamäng "The Ship Game"Veljo Tormis, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
3 Songs from the Epic "Kalevipoeg": I. Oh, mu hella eidekene "O, My Gentle Tender Mother"Veljo Tormis, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
3 Songs from the Epic "Kalevipoeg": II. Murueide tütred "Daughters of the Meadow Matron"Veljo Tormis, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
3 Songs from the Epic "Kalevipoeg": III. Laine veereb "The Wave Rolls"Veljo Tormis, Stephen Layton, The Holst Singers
Livonian Heritage: I. Lindude äratamine "Waking the Birds"Veljo Tormis, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
Livonian Heritage: II. Karjametsas "At Pasture"Veljo Tormis, Paul Naish, The Holst Singers, Fiona Challacombe, Stephen Layton
Livonian Heritage: III. Vastlad "Shrovetide"Veljo Tormis, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
Livonian Heritage: IV. Unehiireke "Wee Winkie Mouse" (Lullaby)Veljo Tormis, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
Livonian Heritage: V. Laulis isa, laulis poega "Sang the Father, Sang the Son"Veljo Tormis, The Holst Singers, Simon Wookey, Stephen Layton
Laevas lauldakse "Singing Aboard Ship"Veljo Tormis, Fiona Challacombe, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
Autumn Landscapes: I. On hilissuvi "It Is Late Summer"Veljo Tormis, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
Autumn Landscapes: II. Üle taeva jooksevad pilved "Clouds Are Racing"Veljo Tormis, The Holst Singers, Katy Cooper, Nicola Wookey, Stephen Layton
Autumn Landscapes: III. Kahvatu valgus "Pale Light"Veljo Tormis, Stephen Layton, The Holst Singers
Autumn Landscapes: IV. Valusalt punased lehed "Painfully Red Are the Leaves"Veljo Tormis, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
Autumn Landscapes: V. Tuul kõnnumaa kohal "Wind over the Barrens"Veljo Tormis, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
Autumn Landscapes: VI. Külm sügisöö "Cold Autumn Night"Veljo Tormis, Stephen Layton, The Holst Singers
Autumn Landscapes: VII. Kanarbik "Heather"Veljo Tormis, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
4 Estonian Lullabies: I. Laulan lapsele "I Sing for My Child"Veljo Tormis, Stephen Layton, The Holst Singers
4 Estonian Lullabies: II. Marjal aega magada "It’s Time for the Little Berry to Sleep"Veljo Tormis, Stephen Layton, The Holst Singers
4 Estonian Lullabies: III. Lase kiik käia! "Let the Cradle Swing!"Veljo Tormis, Stephen Layton, The Holst Singers
4 Estonian Lullabies: IV. Äiutus "Lulling"Veljo Tormis, Stephen Layton, The Holst Singers
Helletused "Childhood Memory – Herding Calls"Veljo Tormis, Katy Cooper, The Holst Singers, Nicola Wookey, Stephen Layton
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