Choral music from Northern Europe has an age-old and versatile tradition. Countries in this region, such as Estonia, Finland, Sweden and Norway, have a strong affinity with choral singing and have produced some of the world's most acclaimed choirs. Characteristic of this music is its often ethereal quality, beautiful melodies and deep connection with nature and landscape. ECM Records introduces us to two lesser-known composers.
On 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 reveals, they perform works by Norwegian composer Henrik Ødegaard (°1955), who draws from both the Gregorian tradition and the rich Northern musical heritage. Vox Clamantis has previously recorded works by Ødegaard, including Te Lucis Ante Terminum in 2016. This album focuses on reworked hymns. The singing is subtle but with underlying expression. The result is serene, floating and colourful.
Arvo Pärt is nowadays 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 oeuvre of this lesser-known composer. Reminiscentiae is part of Kaljuste's mission. Due to the familiar style of Estonian musical icon Arvo Pärt, the album feels typically Estonian. Like Pärt, Tormis' style is rather minimalist. His music is characterised by simple harmony, clear textures and limited melodic material. Is Tormis' minimalism as refined as that of Pärt? 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