Immerse yourself in the evocative sounds of Veljo Tormis's "Reminiscentiae," a captivating choral journey released on ECM New Series on September 8, 2023. This album is a testament to Tormis's mastery of minimalism and choral composition, offering a profound exploration of nature, memory, and the human experience.
"Reminiscentiae" is a collection of 30 tracks that weave together to create a tapestry of seasons and emotions. The album begins with "The Tower Bell in My Village" and "Worry Breaks the Spirit," setting a contemplative tone that carries through the entire work. The "Melancholy Songs" and "Autumn Landscapes" sections delve into themes of sorrow and reflection, while "Winter Patterns," "Spring Sketches," and "Summer Motifs" paint vivid sonic landscapes that mirror the changing seasons.
Tormis's compositions are intricate and layered, showcasing his unique ability to blend minimalist elements with rich, textural choral arrangements. The album's duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes allows for a deep dive into his musical world, where each piece tells a story and evokes a distinct atmosphere.
"Reminiscentiae" is not just an album; it's an experience. Whether you're a longtime fan of choral music or a newcomer to the genre, Veljo Tormis's "Reminiscentiae" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that will leave a lasting impression.
The Tower Bell in My VillageVeljo Tormis, Veiko Tubin, Annika Lõhmus, Triin Sakermaa, Madis Metsamart, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Tõnu Kaljuste
Worry Breaks the SpiritVeljo Tormis, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Tõnu Kaljuste
Melancholy Songs: No. 1, The Singer's ChildhoodVeljo Tormis, Iris Oja, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Tõnu Kaljuste
Melancholy Songs: No. 2, Maidens' SorrowVeljo Tormis, Iris Oja, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Tõnu Kaljuste
Melancholy Songs: No. 3, Orphan's LamentVeljo Tormis, Iris Oja, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Tõnu Kaljuste
Reminiscentia, Autumn Landscapes: I. It Is Late SummerVeljo Tormis, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Tõnu Kaljuste
Reminiscentia, Autumn Landscapes: II. Clouds Racing Across the SkyVeljo Tormis, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Tõnu Kaljuste
Reminiscentia, Autumn Landscapes: III. Pale LightVeljo Tormis, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Tõnu Kaljuste
Reminiscentia, Autumn Landscapes: IV. Painfully Red LeavesVeljo Tormis, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Tõnu Kaljuste
Reminiscentia, Autumn Landscapes: V. Wind Along the HeathVeljo Tormis, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Tõnu Kaljuste
Reminiscentia, Autumn Landscapes: VI. Cold Autumn NightVeljo Tormis, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Tõnu Kaljuste
Reminiscentia, Autumn Landscapes: VII. Sad Purple HeatherVeljo Tormis, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Tõnu Kaljuste
Reminiscentia, Winter Patterns: I. Winter MorningVeljo Tormis, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Tõnu Kaljuste
Reminiscentia, Winter Patterns: II. ColdVeljo Tormis, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Tõnu Kaljuste
Reminiscentia, Winter Patterns: III. BlizzardVeljo Tormis, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Tõnu Kaljuste
Reminiscentia, Winter Patterns: IV. Northern LightsVeljo Tormis, Indrek Vau, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Tõnu Kaljuste
Reminiscentia, Spring Sketches: I. Spring WindVeljo Tormis, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Tõnu Kaljuste
Reminiscentia, Spring Sketches: II. Buds Leafing OutVeljo Tormis, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Tõnu Kaljuste
Reminiscentia, Spring Sketches: III. Evening SkyVeljo Tormis, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Tõnu Kaljuste
Reminiscentia, Spring Sketches: IV. Under the Bird-Cherry TreeVeljo Tormis, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Tõnu Kaljuste
Reminiscentia, Spring Sketches: V. Yellow FlameVeljo Tormis, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Tõnu Kaljuste
Reminiscentia, Spring Sketches: VI. In Late SpringVeljo Tormis, Madis Metsamart, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Tõnu Kaljuste
Reminiscentia, Summer Motifs: I. Dry WeatherVeljo Tormis, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Tõnu Kaljuste
Reminiscentia, Summer Motifs: II. ThunderstormVeljo Tormis, Madis Metsamart, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Tõnu Kaljuste
Reminiscentia, Summer Motifs: III. Summer NightVeljo Tormis, Madis Metsamart, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Tõnu Kaljuste
Three I Had These Words of BeautyVeljo Tormis, Linda Vood, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Tõnu Kaljuste
Hamlet's Songs IVeljo Tormis, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Tõnu Kaljuste
Herding Calls – Childhood MemoriesVeljo Tormis, Maria Valdmaa, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Tõnu Kaljuste
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