Choral music from Northern Europe has a centuries-old and multifaceted tradition. Countries in this region, such as Estonia, Finland, Sweden, and Norway, have a strong affinity for choral singing and have produced some of the world's most acclaimed choirs. This music is characterized by its often ethereal quality, beautiful melodies, and deep connection to nature and landscape. ECM Records introduces us to two lesser-known composers.
In their most recent album, Music By Henrik Ødegaard (ECM 2767), Vox Clamantis under the direction of Jaan-Eik Tulve once again brings together the world of Gregorian chant and contemporary choral music. As the title suggests, they perform works by Norwegian composer Henrik Ødegaard (b. 1955), who draws from both the Gregorian tradition and the rich Nordic musical heritage. Vox Clamantis has previously recorded Ødegaard's works, including Te Lucis Ante Terminum in 2016. This album focuses on reworked hymns. The singing is subtle yet with underlying expression. The result is serene, floating, and colorful.
Arvo Pärt has become almost synonymous with Estonian choral music. Yet he is not the only composer in his country. The new album Reminiscentiae (ECM 2793) contains music by Veljo Tormis (1930-2017), an Estonian composer who wrote more than 500 choral works during his lifetime. He is less well-known in our region, but Tormis is particularly beloved by Estonian conductor Tõnu Kaljuste. Together with the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, he documents the complete works of this lesser-known composer. Reminiscentiae is part of Kaljuste's mission. Through the familiar style of Estonian music icon Arvo Pärt, the album feels distinctly Estonian. Like Pärt, Tormis' style is rather minimalist. His music is characterized by simple harmonies, clear textures, and limited melodic material. Is Tormis' minimalism as refined as Pärt's? Perhaps not, yet his music is worth discovering.
WHO: Vox Clamantis conducted by Jaan-Eik Tulve
WHAT: Music By Henrik Ødegaard
LABEL: ECM Records ⎘ CAT NR: ECM 2767
ORDER: JPC
WHO: Veiko Tubin, Annika Lõhmus, Triin Sakermaa, Madis Metsamart, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir conducted by Tõnu Kaljuste
WHAT: Veljo Tormis: Reminiscentiae
LABEL: ECM Records ⎘ CAT NR: ECM 2793
ORDER: JPC
