Veljo Tormis, a renowned composer known for his distinctive choral works, presents "On American Shores," a captivating album released on August 1, 2010, under the Clarion label. This collection is a testament to Tormis' mastery of choral and minimalist genres, offering a unique blend of traditional Estonian folk songs and original compositions.
The album begins with a set of Estonian Calendar Songs, specifically focusing on St. John's Day (Jaanilaulud). These tracks, such as "Kutse jaanitulele" (Call to the Midsummer Bonfire) and "Jaani hobu" (St. John's Steed), are rich with cultural significance and traditional melodies, beautifully arranged for choir. Tormis' minimalist approach enhances the raw and authentic feel of these folk songs.
Following the calendar songs, the album transitions into a series of Estonian Game Songs, including "Kasikivimang" (The Grindstone Game) and "Laevamang" (The Ship Game). These tracks offer a playful and rhythmic contrast to the more solemn calendar songs, showcasing Tormis' versatility as a composer.
The album also features two songs inspired by the poetry of Ernst Enno, adding a lyrical and introspective element to the collection. Additionally, Tormis draws from the epic "Kalevipoeg," a cornerstone of Estonian literature, with tracks like "Oh, mu hella eidekene" (O My Gentle, Tender Mother) and "Laine veereb" (The Wave Rolls).
Nature is a recurring theme in "On American Shores," particularly in the section titled "Looduspildid" (Nature Pictures). The autumnal landscapes depicted in tracks like "Ule taeva jooksevad pilved" (Clouds Racing in the Sky) and "Kulm sugisoo" (Cold Autumn Night) evoke vivid imagery and a sense of tranquility.
The album concludes with "Lauliku lapsepoli" (The Singer's Childhood) and "Lauliku lopusonad" (The Singer's Closing Words), offering a personal and reflective end to the collection. With a total duration of 1 hour and 6 minutes, "On American Shores" is a comprehensive exploration of Veljo Tormis' musical repertoire, blending tradition and innovation in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
Tracks
Eesti kalendrilaulud (Estonian Calendar Songs), Set 5: Jaanilaulud (St. John's Day Songs): No. 1. Kutse jaanitulele I (Call to the Midsummer Bonfire I)Veljo Tormis, Portland State University Chamber Choir, Bruce Browne
Eesti kalendrilaulud (Estonian Calendar Songs), Set 5: Jaanilaulud (St. John's Day Songs): No. 2. Kutse jaanitulele II (Call to the Midsummer Bonfire II)Veljo Tormis, Portland State University Chamber Choir, Bruce Browne
Eesti kalendrilaulud (Estonian Calendar Songs), Set 5: Jaanilaulud (St. John's Day Songs): No. 3. Ei ole pussil puutav (Cannot Be Caught by the Shot of a Gun)Veljo Tormis, Portland State University Chamber Choir, Bruce Browne
Eesti kalendrilaulud (Estonian Calendar Songs), Set 5: Jaanilaulud (St. John's Day Songs): No. 4. Miks Jaani oodatakse (Why We Look Forward to St. John's Arrival)Veljo Tormis, Portland State University Chamber Choir, Bruce Browne
Eesti kalendrilaulud (Estonian Calendar Songs), Set 5: Jaanilaulud (St. John's Day Songs): No. 5. Jaani hobu (St. John's Steed)Veljo Tormis, Portland State University Chamber Choir, Bruce Browne
Eesti kalendrilaulud (Estonian Calendar Songs), Set 5: Jaanilaulud (St. John's Day Songs): No. 6. Tulesonad (Fire Incantation)Veljo Tormis, Portland State University Chamber Choir, Bruce Browne
Eesti kalendrilaulud (Estonian Calendar Songs), Set 5: Jaanilaulud (St. John's Day Songs): No. 7. Jaanilaul (St. John's Song)Veljo Tormis, Portland State University Chamber Choir, Bruce Browne
HelletusedVeljo Tormis, Portland State University Chamber Choir, Bruce Browne
3 Eesti mangulaulu (3 Estonian Game Songs): No. 1. Kasikivimang (The Grindstone Game)Veljo Tormis, Portland State University Chamber Choir, Bruce Browne
3 Eesti mangulaulu (3 Estonian Game Songs): No. 2. Sormemakkimismang (The Fingerbinding Game)Veljo Tormis, Portland State University Chamber Choir, Bruce Browne
3 Eesti mangulaulu (3 Estonian Game Songs): No. 3. Laevamang (The Ship Game)Veljo Tormis, Portland State University Chamber Choir, Bruce Browne
2 Laulu Ernst Enno sonadele (2 Songs after Ernst Enno): No. 1. Noore suve muinasjutt (Early Summer's Fairy Tale)Veljo Tormis, Portland State University Chamber Choir, Bruce Browne
2 Laulu Ernst Enno sonadele (2 Songs after Ernst Enno): No. 2. Kuulmata kuskil kumiseb kodu (Soundless, Somewhere, Murmurings Homeward)Veljo Tormis, Portland State University Chamber Choir, Bruce Browne
3 Laulu eeposest Kalevipoeg (3 Songs from the Epic, Son of Kalev): No. 1. Oh, mu hella eidekene (O My Gentle, Tender Mother)Veljo Tormis, Portland State University Chamber Choir, Bruce Browne
3 Laulu eeposest Kalevipoeg (3 Songs from the Epic, Son of Kalev): No. 2. Murueide tutred (Daughters of the Meadow Matron)Veljo Tormis, Portland State University Chamber Choir, Bruce Browne
3 Laulu eeposest Kalevipoeg (3 Songs from the Epic, Son of Kalev): No. 3. Laine veereb (The Wave Rolls)Veljo Tormis, Portland State University Chamber Choir, Bruce Browne
Looduspildid (Nature Pictures): No. 3. Sugismaastikud (Autumn Landscapes): No. 1. On hilissuvi (Late Summer)Veljo Tormis, Portland State University Chamber Choir, Bruce Browne
Looduspildid (Nature Pictures): No. 3. Sugismaastikud (Autumn Landscapes): No. 2. Ule taeva jooksevad pilved (Clouds Racing in the Sky)Veljo Tormis, Portland State University Chamber Choir, Bruce Browne
Looduspildid (Nature Pictures): No. 3. Sugismaastikud (Autumn Landscapes): No. 3. Kahvatu valgus (Pale Light)Veljo Tormis, Portland State University Chamber Choir, Bruce Browne
Looduspildid (Nature Pictures): No. 3. Sugismaastikud (Autumn Landscapes): No. 4. Valusalt punased lehed (Crimson Leaves Falling)Veljo Tormis, Portland State University Chamber Choir, Bruce Browne
Looduspildid (Nature Pictures): No. 3. Sugismaastikud (Autumn Landscapes): No. 5. Tuul konnumaa kohal (Wind Along the Heath)Veljo Tormis, Portland State University Chamber Choir, Bruce Browne
Looduspildid (Nature Pictures): No. 3. Sugismaastikud (Autumn Landscapes): No. 6. Kulm sugisoo (Cold Autumn Night)Veljo Tormis, Portland State University Chamber Choir, Bruce Browne
Looduspildid (Nature Pictures): No. 3. Sugismaastikud (Autumn Landscapes): No. 7. Kanarbik (Heather)Veljo Tormis, Portland State University Chamber Choir, Bruce Browne
Lauliku lapsepoli (The Singer's Childhood)Veljo Tormis, Portland State University Chamber Choir, Bruce Browne
Lauliku lopusonad (The Singer's Closing Words)Veljo Tormis, Portland State University Chamber Choir, Bruce Browne
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