Tõnu Kõrvits - Tõnu Kõrvits: Mirror (LP)

Tõnu Kõrvits' "Mirror" is a captivating journey into the world of contemporary classical music, released under the prestigious ECM New Series label in 2016. This album is a testament to Kõrvits' unique compositional voice, blending neoclassical elements with a distinctively modern sensibility. The album features a diverse range of works, including choral pieces and orchestral compositions, each offering a unique perspective on Kõrvits' musical vision.

The album opens with "Peegeldused tasasest maast," a hauntingly beautiful piece for mixed choir and cello, setting the stage for the intricate and introspective compositions that follow. The centerpiece of the album is the seven-part "Labürindid" (Labyrinth), a mesmerizing work for string orchestra that explores themes of complexity and introspection. Each movement builds upon the last, creating a sense of progression and discovery.

Following this, the album delves into the seven-part "Seitsme linnu seitse und" (Seven Cities, Seven Dreams), a series of dreamlike vignettes that showcase Kõrvits' ability to evoke vivid imagery through music. The album concludes with "Viimane Laev" (The Last Ship) and "Laul" (Song), offering a sense of resolution and reflection.

Performed by the esteemed Eesti Filharmoonia Kammerkoor and Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Tõnu Kaljuste, with Anja Lechner on cello and Kadri Voorand on vocals, "Mirror" is a stunning showcase of Tõnu Kõrvits' compositional prowess. The album's duration of just over an hour provides a satisfying listen, inviting repeated exploration of its rich and varied landscapes.