This startling record begins with two sopranos and a gentle piano sounding for all the world like Enya singing Satie; two tracks later we have a hair-raising chorus and drum hurling curses upon iron (which makes the tools ... more »of work and war). It's all the work of Estonian composer Veljo Tormis, who uses simple, even primitive melodies and ancient folk poetry (perhaps too simple for some listeners, especially those who understand no Finnish or Estonian) with exciting, sometimes atonal but always accessible accompaniment for chorus and/or instruments. The results can be plaintive and calm or vigorous, even feral. The effect is rather like Orff's Carmina Burana with less symphonic glamour but more musical substance. The most entertaining piece on the disc is "The Bishop and the Pagan," which retells (in a way) the story of St. Henry, who was martyred on a frozen lake in 1158 by an angry peasant with an ax. An alto and two tenors sing a medieval Latin poem in praise of Henry to a very chantlike melody in parallel fifths; meanwhile, baritones and basses pound out (softly at first) an ancient Finnish lyric told from the peasant's point of view. (You can guess how things end up.) The highlight is when the Henry trio is reduced to a wordless on-pitch howling while the peasant's chant is at its strongest--followed by a surprisingly witty ending. Not coincidentally, the next piece on the record, "Litany to Thunder," depicts the sacrifice of an ox to the god of thunder and rain. Frankly, it's terrifying. --Matthew Westphal« less
This startling record begins with two sopranos and a gentle piano sounding for all the world like Enya singing Satie; two tracks later we have a hair-raising chorus and drum hurling curses upon iron (which makes the tools of work and war). It's all the work of Estonian composer Veljo Tormis, who uses simple, even primitive melodies and ancient folk poetry (perhaps too simple for some listeners, especially those who understand no Finnish or Estonian) with exciting, sometimes atonal but always accessible accompaniment for chorus and/or instruments. The results can be plaintive and calm or vigorous, even feral. The effect is rather like Orff's Carmina Burana with less symphonic glamour but more musical substance. The most entertaining piece on the disc is "The Bishop and the Pagan," which retells (in a way) the story of St. Henry, who was martyred on a frozen lake in 1158 by an angry peasant with an ax. An alto and two tenors sing a medieval Latin poem in praise of Henry to a very chantlike melody in parallel fifths; meanwhile, baritones and basses pound out (softly at first) an ancient Finnish lyric told from the peasant's point of view. (You can guess how things end up.) The highlight is when the Henry trio is reduced to a wordless on-pitch howling while the peasant's chant is at its strongest--followed by a surprisingly witty ending. Not coincidentally, the next piece on the record, "Litany to Thunder," depicts the sacrifice of an ox to the god of thunder and rain. Frankly, it's terrifying. --Matthew Westphal
CD Reviews
This is not Arvo Pärt
Mark D Brown | Los Angeles, CA United States | 12/02/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is a work for those who approach it out of great respect for the beauty and talent of performances by the Estonian Philharmonic Choir and some interest in the history and folklore of this region (Finland, Estonia, Karelia, etc.) Those founding their expectations based upon the works of Arvo Pärt without at least a cursory understanding of this separate subject matter shall likely be very disappointed. For others with exposure to other manifestations of Folklore in this region (in my case, Kalevala) and some understanding of its history will find many of the songs quite rewarding. The lyrics and delivery are consistent with what I have seen in Kalevala and in accompanying literature describing it and its singers. The vitality listeners come to expect from Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir performances reaches a frenetic level of near abandon in "Curse Upon Iron". Those liking this album may also want to consider "Forgotten Peoples" (or, of course, vice-versa), it is a similar mixed collection of styles and moods."
Excellent music from a prominent Estonian composer
Marko Rillo | 07/19/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Litany to Thunder has become somewhat of a legendary piece of music to Estonian listeners. It resembles not so much Carmina Burana, as usually referred by reviewers but more a choral version of old fenno-ugric chanting. Throughout all the tracks on the CD you can hear Estonian folk songs patterned with ancient rhytms of wizards and witches. Veljo Tormis has researched Estonian folk song traditions for many years and succeeded in joining "auld lang" music with contemporary understanding about harmony. If you are a fan of Estonian music based on your knowledge of Arvo Part and Erki-Sven Tuur only, you might not like Tormis for his simplistic but sometimes sombre language of music. But if you are into something more "ethnic", then Tormis is definitely for you! I also recommend to buy "Sermons and Devotions" by King's Singers to hear unusual version of Tormis's "Bishop and the Pagan""
To put it simply - Beautiful
Sam Halajian | Westchester, NY USA | 02/06/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I heard the song "How Can I Recognize my Home?" as I was flipping through different radio stations driving home last night. I've always loved the type of music that has a choir singing in Latin, especially the sopranos. It was so beautiful, I had to pull my car over and wait until the piece ended so I could write down the name and buy it as as soon as possible. I'm a filmmaker, and I could see this vision for my next movie accompanied by this piece. It was so beautifully sad; the emotion in this music is simply beyond words. I highly recommend that everyone listen to this music."
Unbelievable 'Curse upon iron'
B. | Slovenia | 09/29/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I heard (and saw) one piece from this CD performed live under direction of Kaljuste (but not with the same choir). It was just unbelievable and though I've heard many amazing choral performances before, this was just so different than anything else. 'Curse upon iron' by Veljo Tormis is obscure and brilliant at the same time, so one should listen to it without prejudice. Then it can be pure joy."
Estonian Music
L. Benjamin | Savannah, GA | 09/21/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Why anyone would expect Tormis to sound like Arvo Part just because they are both Estonian is beyond me. No one is surprised that Steve Reich sounds nothing like Aaron Copland. If anything, Tormis' music is more "ethnically" Estonian than Part's, whose music is structured more after the Eastern Orthodox Church and his own unique "tintinnabuli" style. Tormis works in the area somewhere between the faithful recordings of an enthomusicologist like Alan Lomax, and a composer like Zoltan Kodaly (or Aaron Copland!) who took his inspiration from the native music of his country and added his own interpretation to it.
It would be unfortunate if anyone avoided this music out of a discomfort with so-called "Paganism" or "Shamanism." This music is valuable and needs to be heard. "Curse Upon Iron" especially is brilliantly imaginative. "The Lost Geese" achieves an almost hypnotic effect through the simple, repeated melodic line. I have had both songs running through my head since I heard them and it has not been unpleasant. The other works on the CD are memorable as well. This music is the real thing -- authentic and powerful."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1