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 choral arrangements. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 11 minutes, the album is a rich tapestry of Estonian heritage and musical tradition.
The album opens with two songs set to words by Ernst Enno, followed by a suite of Estonian game songs that evoke the playful spirit of childhood. Tormis then draws from the epic "Kalevipoeg," one of Estonia's most significant cultural texts, to create three powerful choral pieces. The Livonian Heritage section showcases Tormis' deep connection to the Livonian culture, with songs that range from lively pastoral scenes to tender lullabies.
The Autumn Landscapes suite is a highlight of the album, offering a poignant portrayal of the changing seasons through evocative choral textures. The album concludes with a set of Estonian lullabies and a piece inspired by childhood memories, providing a gentle and soothing end to the musical journey.
Throughout the album, Tormis' unique compositional style shines, blending traditional Estonian melodies with modern choral techniques. The performances are impeccable, bringing to life the intricate rhythms and harmonies that Tormis is known for. Whether you are a fan of choral music or simply looking to explore the rich musical heritage of Estonia, this album is a must-listen.
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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