Estonian Chamber Music

On this CD:

1. Trivium
Composed by Rene Eespere
Performed by Tallinn Camerata, Ulrika Kristian, Heiki Matlik, Jaan Oun

2. Sonatina for alto flute & guitar, Op. 9
Composed by Alo Poldmae
Performed by Tallinn Camerata, Ulrika Kristian, Jaan Oun

3. Cantus & Processus
Composed by Ester Magi
Performed by Tallinn Camerata, Ulrika Kristian, Jaan Oun

4. Idioms, Op. 43a
Composed by Raimo Kangro
Performed by Tallinn Camerata, Ulrika Kristian, Jaan Oun

5. For Boris Björn Bagger and His Friend, for flute & guitar
Composed by Lepo Sumera
Performed by Tallinn Camerata, Ulrika Kristian, Jaan Oun

6. To His Highness Salvador D.
Composed by Peter Vahi
Performed by Tallinn Camerata, Ulrika Kristian, Jaan Oun

Tracks:

Da Pacem Domine
Salve Regina
Psalm 117
Psalm 131
Magnificat
An Den Wassern Zu Babel
Dopo La Vittoria
Nunc Dimittis
Littlemore Tractus

Amazon.com

This stunning new collection of short pieces by Arvo Pärt covers a 30 year period of the composer's output. The listener will be both comfortable with and surprised by the changes he's made: his essential style/approach and the beauty of the music remain constant, but Pärt is no whispering new-age poster boy. Sometimes the sound just washes over the listener; more often the small complexities or intensities are the hooks by which we are captivated. "Da pacem Domine" is a prayer for peace. Its different tonal hues thrill as much as they soothe. There's much of Renaissance music in his work--under the layers of sound there is a solid, far more simple core. The Two Slavonic Psalms have a Russian feel unlike most of Pärt's other works, and the first is fleet and perky. The strange "Dopo la vittoria" tells the story of St Ambrose and St Augustine singing the Te Deum composed for his defeat over the Arians; the story part is presented in an odd, chatty manner, but the prayer itself is exclaimed with great dignity. The performances, by Paul Hillier, the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, and organist Christopher Bowers-Broadbent, do Pärt's ethereal, still, but ever-moving music absolute justice, and the recorded sound is crystal clear. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Arvo Part Inspirational.......2007-05-13

Arvo Part is one of my favorite composers of all time. This cd is absolutely phenomenal and brings with it a deep feeling of reverence, devotion and peace. This is by far one of the most amazing cds i have ever purchased. He is an true inspiration.

peace.
jacob salzer

Transcendental Purity meets Slavonic Psalms Mastery.......2006-11-23

Many things have been said about Arvo Part. Nevertheless, I will venture some words about this CD. Part's compositions evoke a meditative, deeply thoughtful atmosphere. When I played this CD for the first time, my visceral reaction was to close my eyes and let the sound "heal" those niches in my soul that Part has boldly decided to explore in himself.

Not for the faint of heart, this living composer's work will challenge your views of sacred and traditional musics. Part's personal approach to creating music can almost make you blush in sorrowful, joyous, melancholic self-awareness. To say this music "speaks" is a trivial understatement.

While Part is well into his seventies, his vitality and vigour musically can be compared to the controlled power of a wise giant. No signs of vanity are in his music. This is music written from a place of simple humbleness. That may be the single reason why this music is so glorious.

The "Estonian Master" maintains his well-established stride in this most satisfying production.

Kudos to Harmoni Mundi for the SACD/CD format. The sound is open and full.

Highly recommended and perfect as a Christmas gift for the music enthusiast.

Arvo Part: Te Deum / Kaljuste, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir

Average customer rating:

Beautiful, Soulful, Choral Work
Don't come to this music empty...
Gentle introduction to Pärt; terrible recording
My first Part of all Part's
These works bring to mind the terrifying beauty of God Himself - truly awesome!

Arvo Part: Te Deum / Kaljuste, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir
Tonu Karljuste , and Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir
Manufacturer: Ecm Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Te Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Arvo Pärt: De Profundis
Alina - Arvo Part
Tabula Rasa
Arvo Pärt Sanctuary
Lamentate

ASIN: B000024ZDF
Release Date: 1999-11-16

Tracks:

Te Deum
Silouans Song
Magnificat
Berliner Messe: Kyrie
Berliner Messe: Gloria
Berliner Messe: Erster Alleluiavers
Berliner Messe: Zweiter Alleluiavers
Berliner Messe: Veni Sancte Spiritus
Berliner Messe: Credo
Berliner Messe: Sanctus
Berliner Messe: Agnus Dei

Amazon.com essential recording

Though these pieces are typical of Pärt's style, they seem less bleak than those on previous discs. The Te Deum, while often in a minor tonality and sometimes imposing, has a suitable extroverted quality; the Magnificat, with its hushed intensity, does seem solemn, but its cadences are striking, typically resolving from a tonal chord to a shimmering major-second dissonance. The Berliner Messe includes not only the Mass ordinary, but also three propers for Pentecost, and displays a range of moods from nervous penitence in the Kyrie to lively good cheer in the Credo to serenity in the Agnus Dei. Best is the sequence "Veni sancte spiritus," sung largely in unison to a haunting 6/8 melody. Tiny Estonia, Pärt's homeland, has provided him with some impressive interpreters. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful, Soulful, Choral Work.......2007-01-31

Although my main genre of music is derived from the 60's, 70's rock and pop music, I also spent many Sundays attending church and listening to the work of the choir. I would say that I have a strong spiritual side, and so Arvo Part touched this part of my heart. I heard it on NPR when they were asking listeners for the albums that were essential in their collection. The person commented that this music centered them. I listened to the entire album on the radio on a Saturday night, even though I was about to head out to listen to other types of music.

The music is beautiful, soulful, and spiritual. The choral harmonies sound something like Thomas Tallis, but has instrumentation supporting the choir. The music is very slow and uses "silence" as part of the work. So be prepared to be put into a meditative state - one where peace is felt. A truly awesome piece of music.

Don't come to this music empty..........2006-06-10

My opinion of much of the spiritual minimalist music that may be criticised as dull, boring, incomplete, or whatever adjective you care to insert, is that unlike the "great" music of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, etc, this spiritual music requires you to bring something to it to have meaning. Anyone can listen to Mozart and get pretty much the same thing from it because it's perfect and complete. There's nothing more to add. And that's why I can't stand it. Like vanilla ice cream, the great German masters serve as nothing but a center for music to expand away from.

However, where one can put on Silouans Song and hear a dull film score, others can meditate on the music and be moved beyond words. The "inaudible" Berliner Messe concludes with the Agnus Dei. I will never escape the memory of listening to the piece at night under the stars next to a high alpine lake in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Agnus Dei section is as cold as ice, as bare as outer space, and with the Dona Nobis Pacem it melts, while keeping the melodic line of the first section, into the most comforting, heart-warming music. Atheist that I am, I can't help but feel that I'm not alone. Listen to it under the stars in the wilderness.

The major work, the Te Deum, is incredible in its own way. You cannot hear the music begin, but gradually become aware of what I assume is a piano string being played with a mallet. The sound reappears throughout the work, and at the huge climax you feel almost as if airplanes are taking off in the church. The ending, repeated statements of "Sanctus", fades out in almost as beautiful a manner as the Agnus Dei of the mass ends. Almost, but not quite.

There isn't another living composer like Part, and this is one of the finest discs of his music.

Gentle introduction to Pärt; terrible recording.......2006-02-14

If you've not previously listened to Pärt's music, this is a reasonable place to start. I prefer Tabula Rasa, however, and suggest that as a better alternative.

Unfortunately, the recording quality of the title work is atrocious. At several points, the vocals swell to aching levels...and just then, the sound is reduced to ear tearing distortion. No, folks, that isn't the power of an omnipotent, imaginary friend reaching through your stereo; that's really bad level setting.

Here's hoping ECM sees fit to make a proper recording of this one.

My first Part of all Part's.......2006-02-08

I have no idea why I first selected this CD while browsing in a store but I have since used Amazon to order most of Arvo Part's recordings. I am not sure how you would select a favorite -- I would certainly not agree that this is among the worst! I would say it still ranks as one of my favorites. I also agree this music is not for the car! This is certainly for when you want to be contemplative. If you feel rushed and overwhelmed by contemporary life, put on a Part CD and close your eyes and stress will melt away. This music is a ticket to timelessness and peace. Who would have thought a modern composer could have found a way to out do the Medievals this way? Progress has not stopped nor has it ignored our spiritual side.

These works bring to mind the terrifying beauty of God Himself - truly awesome!.......2005-12-01

Arvo Part exhibits absolute mastery of sacred vocal writing. It is the culmination of a millenium of sacred music; as though Tallis, Byrd, Bach, Mozart, Brahms, Faure and every other writer of sacred music had simply cleared the way for this man. Part assimilates you into his music in the opening passages and holds you in his powerful grip until after the last phrases have been uttered.

The glory is not given only to the voices, either. These works are also scored for strings and some of the most beautiful passages are given over to them. Dissonance is used throughout in all voices with terrifying beauty and brings to mind what it may be like to behold the presence of God Himself. There are many stunning climaxes that resolve the discord throughout the work - everyone infinitely satisfying and never dull. These are truly works of awe-inspiring proportions, particulary the Te Deum and this does them justice. It will lift your mind and heart and never cease to amaze.

Average customer rating:

uniquely powerful
Music infused with orthodox (traditional) mysticism
The Line of Masters of Liturgical Music Continues!
Mysterious and Mesmerizing
Amazing.

Arvo Part: Kanon Pokajanen
Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir
Manufacturer: Ecm Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Arvo Part: Te Deum / Kaljuste, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir
Alina - Arvo Part
Arvo Pärt: De Profundis
Lamentate
Miserere

ASIN: B000025LF7
Release Date: 2000-01-25

Tracks:

Kanon pokajanen: Ode I
Kanon pokajanen: Ode III
Kanon pokajanen: Ode IV
Kanon pokajanen: Ode V
Kanon pokajanen: Ode VI

Tracks:

Kanon pokajanen: Kondakion
Kanon pokajanen: Ikos
Kanon pokajanen: Ode VII
Kanon pokajanen: Ode VIII
Kanon pokajanen: Ode IX
Kanon pokajanen: Prayer after the Canon

Amazon.com essential recording

Arvo Pärt's Kanon Pokajanen is an unqualified masterpiece. Although he's previously written music with similar notions of harmonic, rhythmic, and melodic economy, this work successfully incorporates and develops material that in this context easily could become unwieldy. The texts are taken from the canon of repentance of the Russian Orthodox Church, a subject that has occupied the composer for many years. These songs of transformation "invoke the border between day and night ... prophecy and fulfillment, the here and the hereafter." Supervised by the composer, this performance by the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir is pure gold, and likely will remain the definitive recording. Pärt's music rises from gentle valleys to impressive dramatic heights; from single voices to full choir. Here is 83 minutes of exquisite a cappella music in which time and space seem one, and rhythms find their place in a perfect synchrony with breathing and heartbeat. Whether any of this is conscious on the composer's part is incidental. Pärt is tuned into something that finds and touches us all. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

uniquely powerful.......2007-01-19

I have heard extracts from this cd and was so moved by them I flew to Tallinn, Estonia to hear it (same choir and conductor as this recording) perform in Niguliste church. It was amazing and in common with another younger reviewer I find it so powerful to hear again that although I will buy it (so that I have it) I think listening to it maybe a bit much for me.

The choir is stunning, the music breathtaking, this recording excellent, and Tallinn a lovely place to visit!

Music infused with orthodox (traditional) mysticism .......2006-06-18

This arguably is Part's greatest musical operation. Although this piece is referencing penitential and supplicatory worship, the Kanon evokes a sense of some cosmic apocalyptic event, unfolding in the firmament for all of humanity to witness.

Focus on the male voices at the beginning of this spectacular music and you will hear wonderful and unique coalescence of sounds that will take your breath away. Simultaneously, with the opening impact, comes the sorrowful and heartbreaking intentionality of the piece. The only other sacred composition that can surpass the supremacy of the Kanon is Allegri's Miserere...but not by much.

The Line of Masters of Liturgical Music Continues!.......2005-07-28

In this captivating piece, Estonian, Arvo Part, proves himself a worthy successor to such masters of liturgical music as Allegri, Palestrina, Tallis, Byrd, Mozart, Faure', Rachmaninov, Elgar, Williams and Rutter. I urge any lover of liturgical music to experience this marvelous masterwork.

Mysterious and Mesmerizing.......2005-06-02

It has been said that the human voice is the most beautiful of all instruments. In this 2-CD set, with the help of the 28-voice Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Arvo Part proves it to be once again true. Part sets the Russian Orthodox liturgical song cycle of the Slavonic, KANON POKAJANEN ('canon of repentance') to s-l-o-w, deep, majestically dark vocal harmonies followed by sumptuous elevations into the choral heavens. Mysterious and mesmerizing; cathartic and redemptive; Part brings us to the threshold of our spiritual decision to change our sinful ways, and to begin our journey toward paradise. The canon text is included in the liner notes and provides the contemplation from which Part took his inspiration, and from which we may also take ours.

Amazing........2004-04-19

After hearing Kanon Pokajanen in its entirety on college radio, I immediately ordered the CD. I mainly listen to more contemporary styles of music (rock, hip hop, electronica, etc.) Perhaps I wasn't really paying attention to my car radio, because when I put the disc in my CD player, I was blown away.

I am not religious, but listening to Ode IV is the closest I've ever been to being converted. This ode is my favorite. When listening to it for the first time, I cried. I hadn't cried in about 3 years. I cried for 5 minutes straight, through the latter half of the song. Then, I sat on my bed and stared at the ceiling for a half an hour without thinking of anything. I just kept hearing it. The climax hits you early on; everything beyond that is a come down. A beautiful, more relaxed, yet ever-intense come down.

I find that listening to this album in the background has little effect. Turn it up as loud as you feel comfortable with. I can't really listen to this anymore. I've been happier lately and it's just too much. After hearing 1 second of Ode I, I quickly pressed stop and shuddered, recalling just how intense it really is.

While each ode may seem like the last, you will start to notice differences in each. Besides, I would still give this CD five stars if it were 10 tracks of the same song. Or even just one track.

This is the one artist I will not recommend to my friends. I am 17, and I feel they will not understand. I do not want their reactions to taint it.

Tracks:

Litany To Thunder: How Can I Recognize My Home
Litany To Thunder: Singing Aboard Ship
Litany To Thunder: Curse Upon Iron
Litany To Thunder: The Singer's Childhood
Litany To Thunder: Songs Of The Ancient Sea
Litany To Thunder: The Bishop And The Pagan
Litany To Thunder
Litany To Thunder: The Lost Geese

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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

Customer Reviews:

More primeval and minimalist than "Forgotten Peoples".......2007-05-20

Partly based upon previous experience with "Forgotten Peoples," and under the influence of other reviewers' enthusiasm, I purchsed "Litany to Thunder."

Portions of the work are rather like "Carmina Burana" as a previous reviewer indicated, and I also found some of it akin to another Orff work, namely the opera "Antigonae" or perhaps even Stravinsky's "Les Noces."

Nonetheless, although "Forgotten Peoples" was truly a major musical discovery for me (with very few drawbacks), I cannot say the same for "Litany to Thunder."

It's a fascinating work, but the first and last pieces on this disc are irritatingly repetitious. In spite of this, the novelties of the combined vocal/instrumental combinations in all of the music are very expressive of austere power, a constantly-shifting runic starkness with raw percussiveness, from near-lullabies to full-throttle timpani.

I'd say overall that it's worth buying, but it would not be my first choice for a Veljo Tormis disc. That would be "Forgotten Peoples."

Estonian Music.......2004-09-22

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.

fell beauty.......2003-07-25

One of the best classical CDs I have heard, ever! haunting and beautiful!

To put it simply - Beautiful.......2003-02-07

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'.......2001-09-29

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.

Average customer rating:

A winter"s night
horrible
Lovely indeed
Uplifting

Mnemosyne / Garbarek, Hilliard Ensemble

Manufacturer: Ecm Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Officium
In Praise of Dreams
Witchi-Tai-To
I Took Up the Runes
Officium - Jan Gabarek & The Hilliard Ensemble

ASIN: B00000K2AC
Release Date: 1999-10-05

Tracks:

Quechuna Song - Anonymus
O Lord In Thee Is All My Trust
Estonian Lullaby
Remember Me My Dear - Anonymus
Gloria
Fayrfax Africanus
Agnus Dei
Novus novus - Anonymus
Se je fayz dueil
O ignis spiritus

Tracks:

Alleluia nativitatis - Anonymus
Delphic Paean
Strophe and Counter-Strophe
Mascarades - Anonymus
Loiterando
Estonian Lullaby
Russian Psalm - Anonymus
Eagle Dance
When Jesus Wept
Hymn To The Sun

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It's been six years since these same performers got together to create one of the decade's more unusual experiments in musical alchemy. Beginning with the raw materials of early music and modern jazz, the four male voices of the Hilliard Ensemble joined with jazz saxophonist Jan Garbarek to see what would happen when the proper measure of old music and new style were combined, shaped by the performers' considerable experience and collective aesthetic vision. The success of that recording, titled Officium, and subsequent concert performances paved the way for this second effort, continuing the performers' search for artistically meaningful, musically satisfying combinations of written music and improvisatory elements. The odd title of the new recording comes from a mystical poem by Friedrich Hölderlin, quoted in the liner notes and accompanied by pictures from Ingmar Bergman's The Seventh Seal. Officium aficionados will notice that Mnemosyne is even more adventurous in its explorations, which range farther and farther from the printed page. Musical fragments and a general outline are the starting points for several pieces. Improvisation is more frequently and freely employed, but always adheres to an agreed stylistic framework. Alongside a Tallis hymn or a chant by Hildegard, we hear Iroquois and Peruvian song fragments, an ancient Greek tune, and a beautiful lullaby by Veljo Tormis. Garbarek's tasteful improvisations are appropriate additions, inspired commentaries. The Hilliards are even better than on Officium; their awareness and sensitivity brings everything together into a truly unified expression that shows the timelessness of music and reminds us that where rhythm, melody, and musical imagination join, different styles, centuries, and genres are not necessarily obstacles to compatibility. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

A winter"s night.......2005-07-23

Though I am not much of an expert in music as to write a good review, I have enjoyed Jan Garbarek's saxo for many years now, and most recently his previous work with the Hilliard Ensemble, "Officium".
What else can I say?
Just imagine a cold winter's night (and nights are cold these day in the Southern Hemisphere), cudled inside your home, by the fireplace, with the company of a good book, smoking your pipe, sipping some good french brandy and listening this marvelous music.
What else can compare to such an experience?
Tomás Linn

horrible.......2005-01-13

Cheesy saxophone and Gregorian chants do not go together, or if they do, they'll end up sounding like this. The Hilliard Ensemble is wonderful and I love to listen to it, but not with a bunch of tacky and unnecessary smooth jazz lines over top.

Lovely indeed.......2002-02-25

I was fortunate enough to see Garbarek and the Hillard Ensemble perform pieces from this disc in Tokyo; one of the true surprises and delights of the evening (which I haven't found on the CD yet) was Garbarek's decision to quote from Albert Ayler's "Ghosts" on one piece. You might wonder with a classical vocal group who focus on early music and modern avant-garde choral composition have to do with Albert Ayler -- it seems a difficult gap to bridge. Hearing this two disc set will do much to make it clear. There is something genuinely spiritually uplifting in this music; it never approaches the New Agey wallpaper of Garbarek's weakest disc, VISIBLE WORLD, however -- it's not a tritened, mass-consumable spirituality at work here. There is grief, suffering, sorrow, pain, and fear acknowledged and embraced in this music; and yet it is still life affirming and inspiring (and beautiful to dream to). The spiritual aspect of Ayler's music, of free jazz itself, deserved the acknowledgement; Ayler was one of the most spiritually uplifting jazzmen of the movement, which often spoke in the idiom of the spiritual -- it would have been just as well (though far less moving, somehow, and far less musically appropriate) to quote "A Love Supreme"). Don't be worried by the unusual combination of jazz and classical elements; as another reviewer notes, Garbarek's voice blends in perfectly with the rest of the group, sounds a part of the whole. You'll forget that choral music usually doesn't include a soprano sax in a surprisingly short time. (Note - Garbarek brought a tenor to do the Ayler bit; I really don't know if it's on these discs, as I haven't listened to them in completion yet, but he does play tenor sax on them, so we can hope). Highly recommended stuff. The art for the booklet, by the way, is taken from Ingmar Bergman's SEVENTH SEAL, which is very, very appropriate. People who like and admire Meredith Monk's music (particularly BOOK OF DAYS, her finest work, by me) will appreciate this greatly, too. And vice-versa.

Uplifting.......2000-02-21

A fantastic journey through time and space, ranging from ancient Greece to present-day compositions by Garbarek. No less spirited than Officium, but much more varied. Whereas Officium was very much the Hilliards with Garbarek adding (at times rather exhibitionist) comments, here they play together almost as a band - and what a band! With beautiful packaging and stunning production, this is immensely enjoyable and uplifting.

Baltic Voices 1 / Kreek Sandstrom / Rautavaara / Part / Vasks

Average customer rating:

Great 20th century choral music
Some enchanting music
Impeccable performances, soothing music
Ethereally amazing
Not great...

Baltic Voices 1 / Kreek Sandstrom / Rautavaara / Part / Vasks
The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir
Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Baltic Voices 2
Baltic Voices 3
The Powers of Heaven: Orthodox Music of the 17th & 18th Centuries
Arvo Pärt: Da pacem
Veljo Tormis: Litany to Thunder

ASIN: B00006RNHD
Release Date: 2003-02-11

Tracks:

Cyrillus Kreek (from Psalms of David, 1923): Psalm 104 (Bless the Lord, O my soul)
Happy is the Man (from Psalms 1, 2 & 3)
Psalm 141 (O Lord, I call to Thee)
Psalm 121 (The sun will not strike you by day)
Hear my prayer, O Lord (1986), after Henry Purcell (Sven-David Sandstr
Einojuhani Rautavaara: Lorca Suite Op. 72 (1973): Cancie jinete (The Rider)
El Grito (The Scream)
La luna asoma (The Moon)
Malague
Veljo Tormis: Latvian Bourdon Songs (1982): Garais sauciens (Song of meeting)
Rota dziesma (Spring song)
Kazu apdzieda\232anas (Wedding song contest)
Seru dziesma (Funeral song)
Linu druva (The Flax field)
Ligo dziesma (Midsummer song)
Sven-David Sandstrs ist genug (It is enough) (1986)
Arvo P: ...which was the son of... (2000)
Peteris Vasks: Dona nobis pacem (Grant us peace) (1996/97)

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This remarkable collection of choral music by Baltic composers opens our ears to both their similarities and differences. There are folk influences aplenty (from Veijo Tormis in particular), but also some surprises. Sven-David Sandstrom's "Hear my prayer" takes Purcell's piece of the same name as a jumping-off point, and although his treatment is modern, the lamentation remains vivid. Arvo Part's history of Jesus' genealogy, sung in English, is almost fun in its seemingly endless repetition of "which was the son of," while Rautavaara's four-part, seven-minute Lorca Suite is a fascinating study in miniatures. Vasks's "Dona nobis pacem" (the only piece with orchestral accompaniment) has a hypnotic downward vocal sequence that contrasts with the rising strings. The other works hold the interest as well, and the ubiquitous and gifted Paul Hillier leads the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir in lush performances. Fans of the great Eastern choral tradition won't want to miss this. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Great 20th century choral music.......2007-02-07

This first volume of Baltic Voices, performed by the highly acclaimed Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, is a pure enjoyment for any fans of choral music as well as those interested in folk music. All pieces on this CD were pretty much written in the 20th century, starting with Cyrillus Kreek's enchanting Psalms of David (1923), sung in Estonian, and ending with Arvo Pärt's world premiere recording of "...which was the son of..." (2000)-- a fascinating, yet simple, depiction of the geneaology of Jesus from the Gospel of Luke (performed in English). Veljo Tormis does a beautiful job blending the old folk music themes with some new motives in the Latvian Bourdon Songs (1982). And there is much more to discover from other composers... The singing, the sound, and the recording are simply beautiful. The accompanying booklet offers additional details as well as translations.

Some enchanting music.......2006-12-08

Several tracks on this album are absolutely incredible.

I heard the first track (Bless the Lord, O My Soul) by chance on NPR one evening and was immediately spellbound by its unique phrasing.

The last track (Dona Nobis Pacem), aided by a climactic interplay of voice and string, stung me with a beautiful sensation which reaffirmed to my soul that music captures the reason for being alive.

As a newcomer to choral music, I cannot compare this work to many others. However, I can wholeheartedly declare that this album will appeal to those that kneel in humility to the beauty of the human voice.

Impeccable performances, soothing music.......2005-05-26

The very first time I heard a recording from this CD was on NPR several years ago, and it featured excerpts from the Cyrillus Kreek piece. Needless to say, I was in awe of what I heard and consequently had to get the CD. It was one of the most worthwhile purchases I ever made!

The choir performs with ubiquitous energy and notable vigor when a selection would require it. Furthermore, there are many contrasting works featured on this disc, from the ethereal Cyrillus Kreek selection, to the folk-inspired Spring Song and other, more avant-garde repertoire.

It may be the case that one will not instantly fall in love with every single track on this disc, but I would make a case for the fact that there are a number of universally appealing choral works on this disc that, next to the somewhat affordable price, would certainly warrant the purchase!

Ethereally amazing.......2004-07-02

Many composers from Baltic countries round out this incredible compact disc, sung by a collection of excellent voices. The vocal blending is tremendous, despite isolation of the voices over several parts in, at times, serious dissonance. The music is so haunting, I must say I've listened to it nearly every day since I bought it. I witnessed their concert in Houghton, New York last fall, and immediately bought both this CD and the Powers of Heaven.

Not great..........2004-03-17

Full choral sound, sounding very strident at times. Oddly, the recorded singing sounds distinctly enhanced, giving it a less than natural sound. The repertoire represented on this CD is hit and miss - some good, some unremarkable.

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Fabulous

New Joy - Orthodox Christmas Music

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Medieval Christmas
Wolcum Yule: Celtic and British Songs and Carols - Anonymous 4 with Andrew Lawrence-King
Arvo Pärt: Da pacem
Per la Notte di Natale: Concertos and Cantatas for Christmas
Noël

ASIN: B000GUJYLK
Release Date: 2006-10-10

Tracks:

Bell-ringing
Our Father
Rejoice, O Virgin
Verses Before The Six Psalms No.2
Shepherds Of Bethlehem
Oh, What A Wonder!
Today The Virgin Gives Birth
Verses Before The Six Psalms No.1
The Angels Exclaimed
A New Joy
Bells Rang Early In Jerusalem
When Augustus Ruled Alone Upon Earth - Vladimir Miller
A Song Of Good Cheer
Throughout The World
The Legend
Bells-Ode 1 - Tiit Kogerman
Ode 3
Ode 4
Ode 5
Ode 6
Ode 7
Ode 8
Refrain Before Ode 9
Ode 9
God Is With Us - Tiit Kogerman
Blessed Is The Man/Bells - Vladimir Miller

Amazon.com

Beginning with bells tolling in Tallinn, Estonia's St. Alexander's Cathedral, this collection of 19th- and 20th-century Orthodox music from Russia and the Ukraine celebrates the Nativity. Most of the music was suppressed by the authorities, and some of the composers represented - Kastalsky, Barvinskyi, and Izvekov (whose stunning "Christ Is Born," the longest piece on the CD, here receives its first recording) were persecuted, imprisoned, or executed for their religious beliefs. There is also music by Tchaikovsky, Arvo Pärt, and a couple of other, lesser-known composers. Many of the pieces have the distinctly Slavic sound--and chant melodies--opera fans will recognize from the choral sections of "Boris Godunov," while others are more humble. But the harmonies are hypnotic, sometimes dense, and always rich and evocative. The charming Ukrainian carol "Bells Rang Early in Jerusalem" features alternate choirs imitating the tolling of church and sleigh bells. Needless to say, Paul Hillier's leadership of the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir--a world-class group--is superb. A unique disc. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous.......2006-11-09

If you liked "The Powers of Heaven", or their recent recording "Da Pacem", you will love the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir's latest collection of soul-wrenching Russian Orthodox music. The massive bass section is the first thing you'll notice, complimented by an incredibly strong and pristinely-intoned soprano section. The tenor section is not as strong as on Powers of Heaven, but as far as I'm aware, this is still the best choir in the world, bar none. I've only listened to the disc a couple times, I'm still letting it all sink in.

Additionally, solos by soprano Kaia Urb are amazing as usual, as are the Russian chant intonations by tenor Tiit Kogerman and basso profundo Vladimir Miller. Listen to the final track for a molars-rattling display of basso profundo magic that surpasses even their recording of Rakhmaninov's All-Night Vigil. The version of "Carol of the Bells" is a nice surprise as well, as are both "6 Psalms" tracks and "Bells Rang Early in Jerusalem".

This is a sublime collection by a fantastic choir. Both the performances and the repertoire put to shame every other vocal ensemble currently recording, and the Estonians continue to be the gold standard against which I measure all other choirs.

Anton Arensky / Piotr Ilich Tchaikovsky / Rimsky-Korsakov: Russian Violin Concertos

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Anton Arensky / Piotr Ilich Tchaikovsky / Rimsky-Korsakov: Russian Violin Concertos

Manufacturer: Globe
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000025IBJ
Release Date: 2006-05-22

Tracks:

Con in a, Op.54: Allegro
Con in a, Op.54: Adagio
Con in a, Op.54: Tempo Di Valse-Tempo I
Con Phantasy On Russian Themes in b, Op.33: Intro.Allegro Moderato
Con Phantasy On Russian Themes in b, Op.33: Russian Theme.Lento
Con Phantasy On Russian Themes in b, Op.33: Allegro Animato-Russian Theme.Allegretto Grazioso
Con in D, Op.35: Allegro Moderato
Con in D, Op.35: Canzonetta.Andante
Con in D, Op.35: Finale.Allegro Vivacissimo

Arvo Pärt: Te Deum / Silouans Song / Magnificat / Berliner Messe

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Arvo Pärt: Te Deum / Silouans Song / Magnificat / Berliner Messe
Arvo Part , Tonu Kaljuste , and Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir & Tallinn Chamber Orchestra
Manufacturer: Ecm Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Arvo Part: Te Deum / Kaljuste, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir
Kanon Pokajanen
Arvo Pärt: Passio
Litany
Arvo Pärt: Passio

ASIN: B00004TB9Z
Release Date: 1993-11-09

Tracks:

Te Deum
Silouans Song
Magnificat
Berliner Messe: Kyrie
Berliner Messe: Gloria
Berliner Messe: Erster Alleluiavers
Berliner Messe: Zweiter Alleluiavers
Berliner Messe: Veni Sancte Spiritus
Berliner Messe: Credo
Berliner Messe: Sanctus
Berliner Messe: Agnus Dei

Baltic Voices 2 - Choral Works - Paul Hillier leads the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir [Hybrid SACD]

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Baltic Voices 2 - Choral Works - Paul Hillier leads the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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