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Veljo Tormis

Veljo Tormis

Tormis had a profound experience with choral music starting at an early age. His father was a choral director, organist, and music teacher. His delight in the contrasting timbres provided by the organ stops may also be connected to his later orchestration of choral textures, a hallmark of his mature style.

Tormis began his formal musical education in 1943 at the Tallinn Music School, but was interrupted by World War II and illness. In 1949, he entered the Tallinn Conservatory and continued his studies at the Moscow Conservatory (1951-1956). He quickly acquired teaching positions at the Tallinn Music School (1955-60) and the Tallinn Music High School (1962-66), but by 1969 was supporting himself exclusively as a freelance composer.

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Veljo Tormis : God Protect Us From War : TTBB : Songbook : Veljo Tormis : 073999637458 : 48016259

Veljo Tormis : God Protect Us From War

Review: Veljo Tormis is an Estonian composer, regarded to be one of the greatest living choral composers and one of the most important composers of the 20th century in Estonia. Internationally, his fame arises chiefly from his extensive body of choral music, which exceeds 500 individual choral songs, most of it a cappella. The great majority of these pieces are based on traditional ancient Estonian folksongs (regilaulud), either textually, melodically, or merely stylistically. This work for men's voice is challenging yet very worthwhile.

Songlist: God Protect Us From War

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7049b | Songbook $9.95 | TTBB add item to cart Choral Arrangements from The Baltics


Veljo Tormis : Ingrian Evenings : SATB divisi : Songbook : Veljo Tormis : 073999162868 : 9517574460 : 48016286

Veljo Tormis : Ingrian Evenings

Review: Contents: Röntyshkä (Dance Song) I - Röntyshkä II - Röntyshkä III - Röntyshkä IV - Röntyshkä V - Chastushka (Jocular Song) I - Chastushka II - Roundelay - Ending and Going Home.

Songlist: RONTYSHKA (DANCE SONG), RONTYSHKA II, RONTYSHKA III, CHASTUSHKA (JOCULAR SONG), CHASTUSHKA II, ROUNDELAY, RONTYSHKA IV, RONTYSHKA V, ENDING AND GOING HOME

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4258b | Songbook $25.95 | SATB divisi add item to cart Choral Arrangements from The Baltics


Veljo Tormis : Karelian Destiny : Mixed 5-8 Parts : Songbook : Veljo Tormis : 073999077032 : 9517574487 : 48000849

Veljo Tormis : Karelian Destiny

Review: Veljo Tormis (b. 1930) is recognized especially for his vocal and choral works. For him, music begins with words; he does not have "purely musical" ideas. Tormis is a real master of large-scale choral composition. His music is often connected with ancient folk songs of Estonian and other Balto-Finnic peoples. 'Karelian Destiny is from the "Forgotten People" Series

Songlist: The Weeping Maiden, The Suitors from the Sea, As a Serf in Viru, Oak-feller, A Lullaby

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9314b | Songbook $24.95 | Mixed 5-8 Parts add item to cart Estonian Choral Music


Veljo Tormis : Men's Songs (Meestelaulud) : TTBB : Songbook : Veljo Tormis : 888680604394 : WW1602

Veljo Tormis : Men's Songs (Meestelaulud)

Review: Perhaps some of the most exciting works for men's chorus that exist in our repertoire today. Iconic Estonian composer Veljo Tormis celebrates the tradition of "runosongs," music that has been passed down through generations. These dynamic works use a minimalistic compositional style reminicent of Estonian folksong. Simple in construction and unbelievably dynamic - and often humorous - in sound. Ten songs included in this collection.

Songlist: Mens Songs, Bundling Song, Visit Song, Drinking Song, Song of the Turkish War, Sailor's Song, Serf's Song, Dancing Song, Bawdy Song, Village Song

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7951b | Songbook $6.95 | TTBB add item to cart Estonian Choral Music


Veljo Tormis : Singing Aboard Ship : SATB : Songbook : Veljo Tormis : 073999329254 : 48000816

Veljo Tormis : Singing Aboard Ship

Review: Beneath the apparent simplicity and charm lies a richness and complexity that rewards. Tormis' choral works marry traditional Estonian folk melodies with contemporary but accessible harmonies.

Songlist: Singing Aboard Ship

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9645b | Songbook $6.95 | SATB add item to cart Choral Arrangements from The Baltics


Veljo Tormis : Songs of the Ancient Seas : TTBB : Songbook : Veljo Tormis : 073999214819 : 48016280

Veljo Tormis : Songs of the Ancient Seas

Review: The texts for this composition have been compiled from runic songs about the sea, using source material from Haljala, Kuusalu, Ridala and Muhu in Estonia. The written transcriptions of the texts, translated from the vernacular, were made in 1973-74.

Songlist: Songs Of The Ancient Sea

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9648b | Songbook $11.95 | TTBB add item to cart Choral Arrangements from The Baltics


Veljo Tormis : Spring Sketches : SSAA : Songbook : Veljo Tormis : 073999483291 : 48016268

Veljo Tormis : Spring Sketches

Review: Veljo Tormis is recognized especially for his vocal and choral works. For him, music begins with words; he does not have "purely musical" ideas. Tormis is a real master of large-scale choral composition. His music is often connected with ancient folk songs of Estonian and other Balto-Finnic peoples. For female voices.

Songlist: Kevadtuul (Spring Wind), Lehtivad pungad (Flowering Blossoms), Ohtune taevas (Evening Sky), Toominga all (Under the Bird-cherry Tree), Kollane leek (Yellow Flame), Hiliskevad (In Late Spring)

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7419b | Songbook $9.95 | SSAA add item to cart Northern European Choral Arrangements


Veljo Tormis : Summer Motifs : SSAA : Songbook : Veljo Tormis : 073999925432 : 48016269

Veljo Tormis : Summer Motifs

Review: Veljo Tormis is recognized especially for his vocal and choral works. For him, music begins with words; he does not have "purely musical" ideas. Tormis is a real master of large-scale choral composition. His music is often connected with ancient folk songs of Estonian and other Balto-Finnic peoples. For female voices.

Songlist: Pouailm (Dry Weather, Aike (Thunderstorm, Suveoo (Summer Night)

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7420b | Songbook $11.95 | SSAA add item to cart Northern European Choral Arrangements


Veljo Tormis : Vespa Rajad (Vespian Paths) : SATB divisi : Songbook : Veljo Tormis : 073999468410 : 9517574479 : 48000851

Veljo Tormis : Vespa Rajad (Vespian Paths)

Review: From the series Forgotten Peoples

Songlist: OEKENE, SIGUKENE, VENESSE PURGIV NEIU, TAEVASED KOSILASED, LAKSIN MINA KIKOILASSE, KUKKU JA KUKKU, LAKSIN MINA VEELE, KIISE-MIISU, LAULDA TEILE LAULUKE, KUS SA TANA MAGASID, MIS TEIL TEHAKSE, RONIS HARG KUUSE OTSA, VAGISI MEHELE, AIUTUS, AINUS POEG, TUTU-LUTU KARJANE

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2963b | Songbook $20.95 | SATB divisi add item to cart Choral Arrangements from The Baltics


Veljo Tormis : Vision of Estonia : TTBB : Songbook : Veljo Tormis : 48000819

Veljo Tormis : Vision of Estonia

Review: During the Soviet occupation the Estonian composer Veljo Tormis composed several dark-toned songs to texts by leading Estonian poets. Vision of Estonia is based on lyrics by Juhan Liiv. In it Tormis poured out his feelings of a creative person trapped within the Soviet regime.

Songlist: Nagemus eestist

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7441b | Songbook $6.95 | TTBB add item to cart Estonian Choral Music


Veljo Tormis : Winter Patterns : SSAA : Songbook : Veljo Tormis : 073999162707 : 48016270

Veljo Tormis : Winter Patterns

Review: Veljo Tormis is recognized especially for his vocal and choral works. For him, music begins with words; he does not have "purely musical" ideas. Tormis is a real master of large-scale choral composition. His music is often connected with ancient folk songs of Estonian and other Balto-Finnic peoples. For female voices.

Songlist: Talvehommik (Winter Morning), Kulm (Cold), Tuisk (Blizzard), Virmalised (Northern Lights - Aurora borealis)

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7418b | Songbook $15.95 | SSAA add item to cart Northern European Choral Arrangements


Veljo Tormis : Four Estonian Lullabies : SATB : Sheet Music : Veljo Tormis : 073999667431 : 48001003

Veljo Tormis : Four Estonian Lullabies

Review: Veljo Tormis (b. 1930) is recognized especially for his vocal and choral works. For him, music begins with words; he does not have "purely musical" ideas. Tormis is a real master of large-scale choral composition. His music is often connected with ancient folk songs of Estonian and other Balto-Finnic peoples.

Songlist: Laulan lapsele (I Sing for My Child), Marjal aega magada (It's Time for the Little Berry to Sleep), Lase kiik kaia! (Let the Cradle Swing!), Aiutus (Lulling)

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9315b | Sheet Music $9.95 | SATB add item to cart A Cappella Lullabies


Veljo Tormis : The Bishop and the Pagan : TTBB : Sheet Music : Veljo Tormis : 073999814620 : 9517575548 : 48000854

Veljo Tormis : The Bishop and the Pagan

Review: The Story of the Bishop and the Pagan, drawn from musical documents and folklore, tells of the death of the British warrior and Christian missionary Bishop Henry at the hands of the Finnish peasant farmer Lalli near the town of Turku (Abo) in the winter of 1158. By a fortunate and unusual historical circumstance, the viewpoints of both sides have been preserved: a written Latin Gregorian chant "The Sequence Of Saint Henry" documents the British Christian side, and numerous folk songs represent the event as seen by the Finnish pagan. A fascinating and rewarding work for unaccompanied male voices.

Songlist: The Bishop and the Pagan

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9330b | Sheet Music $14.95 | TTBB add item to cart Estonian Choral Music


Orphei Drangar : Curse Upon Iron: Works for Male Choir by Veljo Tormis : SACD : Veljo Tormis

Orphei Drangar : Curse Upon Iron: Works for Male Choir by Veljo Tormis

Review: A modern shaman is how Veljo Tormis (b.1930) has been described. In his large production, chiefly composed for a cappella choir, he utilizes ancient chants and magic charms, as well as the typically Estonian runic songs, regilaulud. Indeed Curse upon Iron, his best-known score, even includes a shaman drum. Much of the music of Tormis, who began composing during the 1950s, mirrors his steadfast devotion to an Estonian identity in the face of Soviet occupation, with traditional ways of life, such as farming and fishing, resonating in pieces such as Helletused - based on ancient herding calls - Spell upon Flax (from the three Shrovetide songs) and Songs of the Ancient Sea. But there are also works, such as the two Hamlet's Songs, that seem to echo the bleak mood of Soviet Estonia, while The Viru Oath is one of Tormis's most overtly political compositions, written in 1980 during the so-called 'stagnation period' in which the thaw following Stalin's death was halted. With Stars, from Kaksikpuhendus (Double Dedication), the disc closes on a more lyrical and personal note - another strand in the composer's rich repertoire. The informative liner notes to this selection of works for male-voice choir composed between 1962 and 1996 are by Mimi S. Daitz, author of a biography of Veljo Tormis. As she explains, even when Tormis does not use traditional tunes, he incorporates their scales and intervals into his melodies and harmonies, thus creating a unique sound. Divisions of voices into separate lines play an important part in Tormis's orchestration of voices, and another characteristic is his rhythmic ingenuity. The various demands this places on the performers are amply fulfilled by Cecilia Rydinger Alin and Orphei Drangar, described in Choir and Organ as 'a tremendous choir, with superb technique and an immense, expressive range'. Further variety is added by a number of guest soloists, including the internationally acclaimed soprano Elin Rombo.

Songlist: Incantation for a Stormy Sea, Once We Will Reappear, I Had Three Beautiful Words, Shrovetide Songs, Litany to Thunder, The Viru Oath, Childhood Memory - Herding Calls, (Curse upon Iron, Songs of the Ancient Sea, Hamlet's Songs, Double Dedication

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2310c | SACD $17.95 add item to cart Men's Choirs CDs


Ellerhein Girl's Choir : Kasvasin Kesk Kadakaid

Review: In a nation as passionate about choral music as Estonia where excellent choral groups abound it is a real accomplishment for a choir to be considered one of the best but that is the lofty status of the Ellerhein Girls' Choir. This Grammy award winning choir was featured in the highly acclaimed movie "The Singing Revolution" where the ensemble is filmed in rehearsal along with exrtended interviews with the choir director Tiia Este-Loitme. For fans of girls choirs or directors looking for interesting repertoire this recording is a must have.

Songlist: Ave Maria, Quam Pulchra Es, Gratias Agamus Domino Deo Nostro, Examine Me Psalm 139, Oh, Peter, Go Ring Them Bell, Babylon's Fallin', Amazing Grace, Clara hallilaul, Uisutajad, Kevadtuul, Lehtivad pungad, Ohtune taevas, Toominga all, Kollane leek, Hiliskevadel, Ule taeva jooksevad pilved, Kanarbik, Sinu akna all tuvid, Kadakad

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9038c | 1 CD $15.95 add item to cart Girls Choirs CDs


Estonian National Male Choir : Visions of Estonia 2 : 1 CD : Ants Soots : Veljo Tormis : ncd 20

Estonian National Male Choir : Visions of Estonia 2

Review: Estonian composer Veljo Tormis (1930-) emphasizes the role of verbal text and its message in his compositions, directed at the present, past and future of Estonian life. Written for men's chorus, "Visions of Estonia II" records in music the anxiety that was suppressed through the decades of Soviet repression. With "The Ballad of Mary's Land," composed in 1969, Tormis began a series of powerful large-scale choral compositions containing also his most famous work, "The Curse Upon Iron" for mixed chorus, written in 1972. "Reflections with Hando Runnel" (1981), is one of a series of short, sarcastic songs of protest he wrote during that period. "Days of Outlawry," with the subject of resistance fighting, was written for the banned film "The Outlaws;" "Journey of the War Messenger" and "Let The Sun Shine" take their texts from the Estonian National epic "Kalevipoeg." "Forget-me-not" is a national lament dedicated to former chief conductor Gustav Ernesada. Although none of these 23 songs is in English, we can feel the power and Tormis' deep feeling within this music through the performance of the Estonian National Male Choir.

Songlist: The ballad of Mary's Land, Reflections with Hando Runnel, Days of Outlawry, God Protect Us from War, Journey of the War Messenger, Let the Sun Shine!, Voices from Tammsaare's Herdboy Days, Forget-me-not, Men's Songs

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7283c | 1 CD $15.98 add item to cart Estonian Choral Music


Estonian National Male Choir : Visions of Estonia 3 : 1 CD : Ants Soots : Veljo Tormis : ncd 23

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Estonian National Male Choir : Visions of Estonia 3

Review: The third collection under the title "Vision of Estonia" continues recording the work of Estonian composer Veljo Tormis by the veteran Estonian National Male Choir. All song titles and lyrics of the piece are in Estonian. These lyrics, their meanings, and the history of the composer, the choir, and this dramatic, powerful piece are included in the extensive liner notes. The deeply emotional composition, written under the thumb of the Soviet occupation of Estonia, is divided into 32 movements--from the eight parts of "Dialektilisi aforisme," all less than a minute in length, and the 9-minute "Muistse mere laulud" to the intense 2 -minute "Sottaminck." "Vision III" a difficult, eclectic work that explodes into non-vocal percussion and vocal outbursts of protest and pride. Luckily, it is being sung by one of the best all-male choirs in the world, who perform it with tremendous spirit and feeling. Some accompaniment.

Songlist: The Singer, Songs Of The Ancient Sea, Plague Memory, Feelin' Groovy (The 59th Street Bridge Song), Going To War, Dialectical Aphorisms, Song About Level Land, We Are Given, An Aboriginal Song, The Estonians Political Parties Game, Song About Keeping Together, Martinmas Songs, Christmas Is Coming, Shrovetide Songs, Three I Had Those Words Of Beauty

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8484c | 1 CD $15.98 add item to cart Estonian Choral Music


Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir : Veljo Tormis, Litany To Thunder : 1 CD : Tonu Kaljuste : Veljo Tormis : ECM465223.2

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir : Veljo Tormis, Litany To Thunder

Review: Veljo Tormis's timeless compositions draw inspiration from Estonia's ancient history, and these evocations of the past, influenced by folk musics of the Baltic region, are often mesmerizing in sheer physical power. There is nothing else in contemporary choral music that can be compared with "Curse Upon Iron", where the fierce declamations of the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir are underpinned by the pounding pulse of a shaman's drum. At such moments, Tormis's music seems possessed, and even the quieter episodes - such as the runo-songs performed by two young sopranos - have an hypnotic insistency.

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

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7974c | 1 CD $16.95 add item to cart Estonian Choral Music


Holst Singers : Tormis : 1 CD : Stephen Layton : Veljo Tormis : 67601

Holst Singers : Tormis

Review: The Holst Singers are acclaimed as one of England's greatest non-professional choirs. The talent and commitment of the individual members and the leadership of their mercurial conductor, Stephen Layton, ensure that their performances are always of the very highest standards. Veljo Tormis (born 1930) is - along with Arvo Part - Estonia's most famous living composer, holding an almost mystic status in his home country. He is also the passionate and practical torch-bearer for folk-singing revival, and the integration of an ancient cultural inheritance into thoroughly modern, post-Soviet lives. Interestingly, he trained at the Moscow Conservatory and was steeped in Soviet instruction during his early musical life. His music is almost all written for choirs; few other composers have been so committed to one genre. Tormis's choral specialization marks him out from Bartok, Kodaly, Vaughan Williams and Grainger, whose pioneering interest in folksong was ultimately limited to the use of textless tunes in instrumental or orchestral works. For Tormis, the words and the music are inseparable. The Holst Singers have recently been invited to Estonia to perform Tormis's music - a great honor, and a mark of their mastery of this repertoire.

Songlist: Early summer's fairy tale, Soundlessly somewhere murmurings homeward, The grindstone game, The finger-binding game, The ship game, O, my gentle tender mother, Daughters of the Meadow Matron, The wave Rolls, Waking the birds, At Pasture, Shrovetide, Wee winkie mouse, Sang the father, sang the son, Singing aboard ship, It is late summer, Clouds are racing, Pale Light, Painfully red are the leaves, Wind over the barrens, Cold autumn night, Heather, I sing for my child, It's time for the little berry to sleep, Let the cradle swing!, Lulling, Childhood memory

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8910c | 1 CD $19.95 add item to cart Estonian Choral Music


Peninsula Women's Chorus : Nature Pictures

Review: On this recording, the PWC celebrates a close relationship with prominent Estonian composer, Veljo Tormis. Influenced by his deep conviction that ancient song traditions reflect a close connection to nature, the prolific Tormis gives us the four seasons in 36 miniatures of intense choral imagery in his evocative song cycles, Looduspildid (Nature Pictures). We are proud to present the first American recording of this cycle! This eclectic recording continues the theme with Karl Korte's "Spring", Chen Yi's "Looking at the Sea" and Samuel Barber's "To be Sung on the Water." Also included are Edward Elgar's "The Snow" and Kenneth Leslie's lovely "Cape Breton Lullaby," a PWC favorite.

Songlist: Day Break, On Hilissuvi (It is Late Summer) -Sugismaastikud (Autumn Landscapes), Ule Taeva Jooksevad Pilved ( Clouds Are Racing) -Sugismaastikud (Autumn Landscapes), Kahvatu (Pale Light) -Sugismaastikud (Autumn Landscapes), Valusalt Punased Lehed (Painfully Red Are The Leaves) -Sugismaastikud (Autumn Landscapes), Tuul Konnumaa Kohal ( Wind Over the Barrens) -Sugismaastikud (Autumn Landscapes), Kulm Sugisoo (Cold Autumn Night) -Sugismaastikud (Autumn Landscapes), Kanarbik (Heather) -Sugismaastikud (Autumn Landscapes), The Snow, In Meeres Mitten, Talvehommik (Winter Morning) -Talvemustrid (Winter Patterns), Kulm (Cold) -Talvemustrid (Winter Patterns), Tuisk (Blizzard) -Talvemustrid (Winter Patterns), Virmalised (Northern Lights) -Talvemustrid (Winter Patterns), Spring, Miniwanka, Looking at the Sea, Kevadtuul (Spring Wind) - Kevadkillud (Spring Sketches), Lehtivad Pungad ( Flowering Blossoms) - Kevadkillud (Spring Sketches), Ohtune Taevas (Evening Sky) - Kevadkillud (Spring Sketches), Toominga All (Under the Bird-Cherry Tree) - Kevadkillud (Spring Sketches), Kollane Leek (Yellow Flame) - Kevadkillud (Spring Sketches), Hiliskevad (In Late Spring) - Kevadkillud (Spring Sketches), La Ruisseau, To Be Sung On The Water, Pauailm (Dry Weather) - Suvemotiivid (Summer Motifs), Aike (Thunderstorm) - Suvemotiivid (Summer Motifs), Suveoo (Summer Night) - Suvemotiivid (Summer Motifs), Cape Breton Lullaby

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6095c | 1 CD $15.95 add item to cart Female Choral CDs


Portland State University Chamber Choir : Veljo Tormis on American Shores : 1 CD : Bruce Browne : Veljo Tormis : 921

Portland State University Chamber Choir : Veljo Tormis on American Shores

Review: Every recording has a story behind its genesis. In 2003 Estonian Composer Veljo Tormis heard the Portland State Chamber Choir while they were on tour in his country. Tormis was so taken with the brilliant artistry and expressive power of the ensemble he requested that Bruce Browne and his singers do a recording of his music sung in English. For almost two years the Singers, their conductor and the composer worked together on this project. Tormis was very prominent in the interpretation. He supervised the learning of the music in preparation for the Chamber Choir's appearance at the Northwest Convention of the American Choral Director's Association 2006. Veljo Tormis, On American Shores is a recording with a significance of strong integrity by both Composer and Artist. Bruce Browne is emeritus Professor of Music and Choir of the Vocal and Choral area at Portland State University. He is also Conductor Emeritus of the Portland Symphonic Choir and founder and director of the professional choir, Choral Cross-Ties. The Portland State Chamber Choir is recognized as one of the top University Chamber ensembles in the United States.

Songlist: St. John's Day Songs:, -Call to Midsummer Bonfire I, -Call to Midsummer Bonfire II, -Can't be Caught with a Gun, -Why St. John is Awaited, -St. John's Steed, -The Curse for Iron, -St. John's Song, Helletused, Three Estonian Game Songs:, -The Grindstone Game, -The Fingerbinding Game, -The Ship Game, Two Songs after Ernst Enno:, -Early Summer's Fairy Talk, -Soundlessly, Somewhere Murmuring Homeward, Three Songs from the Epic:, -Oh, My Gentle, Tender Mother, -Daughters of the Meadow Matron, -The Wave Rolls, Autumn Landscapes:, -It is Late in Summer, -Clouds are Racing, -Pale Light, -Painfully Red are the Leaves, -Wind over the Barrens, -Cold Autumn Night, -Heather, The Songster's Childhood, The Singer's Closing Words

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8744c | 1 CD $15.95 add item to cart Estonian Choral Music


Svanholm Singers : Veljo Tormis: Works for Men's Voices  : 1 CD : Veljo Tormis : TCCT73.2

Svanholm Singers : Veljo Tormis: Works for Men's Voices

Review: Although Veljo Tormis is the second-most-famous modern Estonian composer (the most famous being Arvo Part), his music remains scarcely known in the west. Unlike Part, Tormis' work hasn't undergone a major stylistic shift; he has remained committed to using Estonian folk song as a basis for his music from the beginning of his career. He's not simply an arranger or transcriber, though. The folk influence may be overt, or principles of its structure and distinctive characteristics may be submerged in a thoroughly contemporary soundworld. Even the most clearly modern pieces have a sense of emotional gravity and primal power that set them apart as the work of an individual musical thinker. Choral music has always been Tormis' preferred medium, and he has written over 500 choral works. This small sampling of works for (or arranged for) men's voices demonstrates the power and originality of his imagination. There is a sense in which his work seems a-historical, the product of a real maverick; it's hard to pinpoint any classical tradition or earlier composers from which his sound might have been derived. Composers since have made some of Tormis' qualities sound commonplace, but he has been writing like this throughout his long career. Central to his distinctiveness is his use of texture and rhythm, as elements more prominent than melody or harmony; the melodies may not stay with you, but the power of the driving pulse and eccentric textures is unforgettable. Many of the works include what would technically be considered extended vocal techniques, but in this context sound more primal than modern -- panting, shouting, chanting, whispering, and whistling. Tormis also uses a hugely resonant shamanic drum in several pieces, and it contributes to the ritualistic, primitive atmosphere that some of his work creates. One of the most effective pieces recorded here is also his most famous, Raua needmine (Curse Upon Iron), which has a profound monumentality and a sense that a mysterious rite is being enacted. Svanholm Singers, directed by Sofia Soderberg Eberhard, performs this music as if it had it in its blood. The group shows remarkable assurance in singing not only with obvious discipline, but with the wildness the music requires. The sound is full, present, and immediate. Fans of modern choral music who aren't familiar with Tormis' music owe it to themselves to explore it, and this collection makes a terrific place to start.

Songlist: An Aboriginal Song, I'd Like to Sing a Song, Stars, Crosswind, Our Shadows (Once We Will Reappear), Forging the Sampo, The Bishop and the Pagan, Incantation for a Stormy Sea, Men's Song, Bundling Song, Betrothal Visit Song, Song of the Turkish War, Serf's Song, Dancing Song, Curse Upon Iron

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6097c | 1 CD $18.95 add item to cart Estonian Choral Music


Veljo Tormis : Autumn Landscapes : SSAA : Songbook : Veljo Tormis : 073999779851 : 48000917

Veljo Tormis : Autumn Landscapes

Review: Veljo Tormis is recognized especially for his vocal and choral works. For him, music begins with words; he does not have "purely musical" ideas. Tormis is a real master of large-scale choral composition. His music is often connected with ancient folk songs of Estonian and other Balto-Finnic peoples. For female voices.

Songlist: On hilissuvi (It is Late Summer), Ule taeva jooksevad pilved (Clouds are Racing), Kahvatu valgus (Pale Light), Valusalt punased lehed (Painfully Red are the Leaves), Tuul konnumaa kohal (Wind Over the Barrens), Kulm sugisoo (Cold Autumn Night), Kanarbik (Heather)

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7417b | Songbook $15.95 | SSAA add item to cart Female Voice Arrangements Home


Veljo Tormis : Autumn Landscapes : SATB : Songbook : Veljo Tormis : 073999616422 : 48000919

Veljo Tormis : Autumn Landscapes

Review: Veljo Tormis (b. 1930) is recognized especially for his vocal and choral works. For him, music begins with words; he does not have "purely musical" ideas. Tormis is a real master of large-scale choral composition. His music is often connected with ancient folk songs of Estonian and other Balto-Finnic peoples.

Songlist: On hilissuvi (It is Late Summer), Ule taeva jooksevad pilved (Clouds are Racing), Kahvatu valgus (Pale Light), Valusalt punased lehed (Painfully Red are the Leaves), Tuul konnumaa kohal (Wind Over the Barrens), Kulm sugisoo (Cold Autumn Night), Kanarbik (Heather)

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9313b | Songbook $14.95 | SATB add item to cart Northern European Choral Arrangements

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Hamlet's SongsVeljo Tormis Orphei DrangarCurse Upon Iron: Works for Male Choir by Veljo TormisSACDMORE DETAILS 
I Had Three Beautiful WordsVeljo Tormis Orphei DrangarCurse Upon Iron: Works for Male Choir by Veljo TormisSACDMORE DETAILS 
Incantation for a Stormy SeaVeljo Tormis Orphei DrangarCurse Upon Iron: Works for Male Choir by Veljo TormisSACDMORE DETAILS 
Kahvatu valgus (Pale Light)Veljo TormisVeljo TormisAutumn LandscapesSongbook (SSAA)MORE DETAILS 
Kanarbik (Heather)Veljo TormisVeljo TormisAutumn LandscapesSongbook (SSAA)MORE DETAILS 
Kulm (Cold)Veljo TormisVeljo TormisWinter PatternsSongbook (SSAA)MORE DETAILS 
Kulm sugisoo (Cold Autumn Night)Veljo TormisVeljo TormisAutumn LandscapesSongbook (SSAA)MORE DETAILS 
Litany to ThunderVeljo Tormis Orphei DrangarCurse Upon Iron: Works for Male Choir by Veljo TormisSACDMORE DETAILS 
Nagemus eestistVeljo TormisVeljo TormisVision of EstoniaSongbookMORE DETAILS 
On hilissuvi (It is Late Summer)Veljo TormisVeljo TormisAutumn LandscapesSongbook (SSAA)MORE DETAILS 
Once We Will ReappearVeljo Tormis Orphei DrangarCurse Upon Iron: Works for Male Choir by Veljo TormisSACDMORE DETAILS 
Pouailm (Dry WeatherVeljo TormisVeljo TormisSummer MotifsSongbook (SSAA)MORE DETAILS 
Serf's Song (Teomehe-laul)Veljo TormisSerf's Song (Teomehe-laul)Sheet Music (TTBB)MORE DETAILS 
Shrovetide SongsVeljo Tormis Orphei DrangarCurse Upon Iron: Works for Male Choir by Veljo TormisSACDMORE DETAILS 
Singing Aboard ShipVeljo TormisVeljo TormisSinging Aboard ShipSongbookMORE DETAILS 
Song of the Turkish War (Turgi Soja Laul)Veljo TormisSong of the Turkish War (Turgi Soja Laul)Sheet Music (TTBB)MORE DETAILS 
Songs of the Ancient SeaVeljo Tormis Orphei DrangarCurse Upon Iron: Works for Male Choir by Veljo TormisSACDMORE DETAILS 
Suveoo (Summer Night)Veljo TormisVeljo TormisSummer MotifsSongbook (SSAA)MORE DETAILS 
Talvehommik (Winter Morning)Veljo TormisVeljo TormisWinter PatternsSongbook (SSAA)MORE DETAILS 
The Viru OathVeljo Tormis Orphei DrangarCurse Upon Iron: Works for Male Choir by Veljo TormisSACDMORE DETAILS 
Tuisk (Blizzard)Veljo TormisVeljo TormisWinter PatternsSongbook (SSAA)MORE DETAILS 
Tuul konnumaa kohal (Wind Over the Barrens)Veljo TormisVeljo TormisAutumn LandscapesSongbook (SSAA)MORE DETAILS 
Ule taeva jooksevad pilved (Clouds are Racing)Veljo TormisVeljo TormisAutumn LandscapesSongbook (SSAA)MORE DETAILS 
Valusalt punased lehed (Painfully Red are the Leaves)Veljo TormisVeljo TormisAutumn LandscapesSongbook (SSAA)MORE DETAILS 
Virmalised (Northern Lights - Aurora borealis)Veljo TormisVeljo TormisWinter PatternsSongbook (SSAA)MORE DETAILS 


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