Immerse yourself in the captivating sounds of the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir with their album "Baltic Voices 1," released in 2002 under the harmonia mundi label. This album is the first in a series that explores the rich choral repertoire from the lands around the Baltic Sea, showcasing the choir's exceptional talent and versatility.
The album spans a diverse range of genres, including choral and minimalism, and features a mix of sacred and secular works. It opens with a series of Psalms of David, beautifully interpreted by the choir, followed by the hauntingly beautiful Lorca Suite by Maurice Ravel. The album also includes traditional Latvian Bourdon Songs, arranged by Veljo Tormis, which offer a unique glimpse into the folk music of the region.
One of the standout tracks is "Es ist genug," a deeply moving setting of a text by Paul Gerhardt, which showcases the choir's ability to convey profound emotion through their singing. The album concludes with the powerful "Dona nobis pacem," a plea for peace that resonates as strongly today as it did when it was written.
With a duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, "Baltic Voices 1" is a testament to the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir's exceptional skill and musicality. Whether you're a fan of choral music or simply looking to explore new musical territories, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
2002 harmonia mundi usa2002 harmonia mundi usa
Tracks
Psalms of David: Psalm 104 (Bless the Lord, O my soul)Cyrillus Kreek, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Paul Hillier
Psalms of David: Psalms 1, 2 & 3 (Happy is the Man)Cyrillus Kreek, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Paul Hillier
Psalms of David: Psalm 141 (O Lord, I call to Thee)Cyrillus Kreek, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Paul Hillier
Psalms of David: Psalm 121 (The sun will not strike you by day)Cyrillus Kreek, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Paul Hillier
Hear my Prayer, O LordSven-David Sandström, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Paul Hillier
Lorca Suite, Op.72: I. Canción de jinete (The Rider)Einojuhani Rautavaara, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Paul Hillier
Lorca Suite, Op.72: II. El Grito (The Scream)Einojuhani Rautavaara, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Paul Hillier
Lorca Suite, Op.72: III. La luna asoma (The Moon)Einojuhani Rautavaara, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Paul Hillier
Lorca Suite, Op.72: IV. MalagueñaEinojuhani Rautavaara, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Paul Hillier
Latvian Bourdon Songs: I. Garais sauciens (Song of Meeting)Veljo Tormis, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Paul Hillier
Latvian Bourdon Songs: II. Rota dziesma (Spring song)Veljo Tormis, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Paul Hillier
Latvian Bourdon Songs: III. Kazu apdziedasanas (Wedding song contest)Veljo Tormis, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Paul Hillier
Latvian Bourdon Songs: IV. Seru dziesma (Funeral song)Veljo Tormis, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Paul Hillier
Latvian Bourdon Songs: V. Linu Druva (The flax field)Veljo Tormis, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Paul Hillier
Latvian Bourdon Songs: VI. Ligo dziesma (Midsummer song)Veljo Tormis, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Paul Hillier
Es ist genug (It is enough)Sven-David Sandström, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Paul Hillier
…which was the son of…Arvo Pärt, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Paul Hillier
Dona nobis pacemPēteris Vasks, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Paul Hillier