Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of folk-inspired choral music with Veljo Tormis' captivating album, released on January 1, 2000, under the Alba label. This collection, spanning a concise yet impactful 67 minutes, is a testament to Tormis' mastery of minimalism and choral arrangements, drawing from a diverse range of cultural and linguistic influences.
The album opens with the Bulgarian Triptych, a three-movement suite that evokes the vivid imagery of summer, the cyclical nature of life, and the earth's resonant voice. Tormis' intricate compositions are followed by the North Russian Bylina, a powerful narrative piece that showcases his ability to weave compelling stories through music.
The heart of the album lies in its exploration of folk traditions. Tormis presents three Hungarian folksongs, each a gem of lyrical beauty and emotional depth. The album continues with three Livonian folksongs, arranged for male choir, offering a glimpse into the rich musical heritage of this Baltic community. The final section, Pictures from Vormsi's Past, paints a vivid portrait of life on the Estonian island of Vormsi, with each movement capturing a different aspect of its cultural and historical landscape.
The album concludes with a trio of diverse pieces: the evocative Vepsian Winter, the majestic Eagle Flew from the North-east, the celebratory Peoples' Friendship Rhapsody, and the wise and contemplative Vainamoinen's Words of Wisdom. Throughout, Tormis' compositions are marked by their rhythmic vitality, harmonic richness, and deep respect for the folk traditions that inspire them. This album is a testament to the power of choral music to connect us with our shared cultural heritage and the natural world.
Tracks
Bulgaaria triptuhhon (Bulgarian Triptych): No. 1. Suvi (Summer)Veljo Tormis, Estonian National Male Choir, Iris Oja, Ants Soots
Bulgaaria triptuhhon (Bulgarian Triptych): No. 2. Ratas (Wheel)Veljo Tormis, Iris Oja, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
Bulgaaria triptuhhon (Bulgarian Triptych): No. 3. Maa haal (Voice of the earth)Veljo Tormis, Iris Oja, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
Pohja-vene boliina (North Russian Bylina)Veljo Tormis, Indrek Jurtsenko, Mareks Lobe, Alo Rammo, Estonian National Male Choir, Igor Tsenkman, Ants Soots
3 Ungari rahvalaulu: No. 1. Sulle, kallim… (Busulj, szivem, Be sad, my sweetheart)Veljo Tormis, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
3 Ungari rahvalaulu: No. 2. Kellel arm sudames… (Ki ez o iedesit igazan szereti, Who is the one who truly loved his darling…)Veljo Tormis, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
3 Ungari rahvalaulu: No. 3. Neljapaeva ohtul… (Csutortokon este, On Thursday evening…)Veljo Tormis, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
3 Tahte (3 Zvaigzner, 3 Stars)Veljo Tormis, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
3 Liivi rahvalaulu (Version for Male Choir): No. 1. Karjase paev (Koorapaint paava, The Herdboy’s Day)Veljo Tormis, Kadri Hunt, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
3 Liivi rahvalaulu (Version for Male Choir): No. 2. Vastlad (Vastalovad, Shrovetide)Veljo Tormis, Kadri Hunt, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
3 Liivi rahvalaulu (Version for Male Choir): No. 3. Unehiireke (Uniirki, We Winkie Mouse)Veljo Tormis, Kadri Hunt, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
Pildikesi Vormsi minevikust (Bilder ur Ormsos forflutna, Pictures from Vormsi's Past): No. 1. Sulase kaebus (Drangens klagan, The Complaint of a Farm Hand)Veljo Tormis, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
Pildikesi Vormsi minevikust (Bilder ur Ormsos forflutna, Pictures from Vormsi's Past): No. 2. Aidaukse taga (Vid visthusdorren, Outside the Storage Door)Veljo Tormis, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
Pildikesi Vormsi minevikust (Bilder ur Ormsos forflutna, Pictures from Vormsi's Past): No. 3. Pulmatants (Brollopsdans, Wedding Dance)Veljo Tormis, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
Vepsa talv (Vepsian Winter)Veljo Tormis, Andrus Kirss, Aivar Kaldre, Mati Valdaru, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
Kokko lenti koillisesta (The Eagle Flew from the North-east)Veljo Tormis, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
Rahvaste sopruse rapsoodia (Peoples' Friendship Rhapsody)Veljo Tormis, Igor Tsenkman, Andrus Kirss, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
Vainamoise tarkussonad (Vainamoinen's Words of Wisdom)Veljo Tormis, Siim Selis, Estonian National Male Choir, Ants Soots
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