Litany To Thunder
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
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(out of 7 reviews)
List Price: CDN$ 15.99
Price: CDN$ 15.99
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Review by for Litany To Thunder
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One of the best classical CDs I have heard, ever! haunting and beautiful!
Review by Sam Halajian for Litany To Thunder
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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.
Review by B. for Litany To Thunder
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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.
Review by Mark D Brown for Litany To Thunder
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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.
Review by for Litany To Thunder
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First of all, I’m interested in any project undertaken by the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and/or Tonu Kallijuste. Those two have made me respect and love vocal music more than any others.This disc proves no less intersting than any of their other projects. This is my first exposure to Estonian composer Veljo Tormis. This collection consists of primarily folk-based pieces. Considering that most folks aren’t familiar with Balkan music, much of this will sound new to people. Tormis has managed to create music that is both old and new.The most outstanding track on the CD is “Singing Aboard Ship.” Even though I don’t speak the language one still gets the impression of water in the song. The vocal swells are remniscent of an undulating sea. The power is incredible too, not unlike the power of the sea.”Curse Upon Iron” for tenor, bass, mixed choir & drum is another memorable track. The song is a quasi-shamanistic curse upon iron. Very brutal and forceful, the singers blame iron for bombs, tanks, bullets, war & more. Bizzarre, but unforgettable.”The Bishop & the Pagan” is interesting in that it combines elements of Gregorian chant and Finnish folk music.The first & last songs (“How Can I Recognize My Home” & “The Lost Geese” respectively) are from Estonia’s pre-Christian times and belong to the same song cycle. Both are scored for two sopranos and piano. The first, “How Can I Recognize My Home” is somber and beautiful. “The Lost Geese” is a bit squealy, and isn’t quite as memorable.Tormis presentss some very intersting ideas on this recording and there are several strong works, and some that are quite forgettable. Personally, I’m not too keen on the nature worship, shaman, and pagan themes that dominate the album. Not all of the songs concentrate on those themes, but almost all of them do. Musically speaking there are a lot of it is wonderful things happening.For both musical and lyrical content, I prefer Estonia’s most famous musical son, Arvo Part.