"Marjatta, the Lowly Maiden" is a captivating collection of works for children's choir by the esteemed Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara. Released in 2011 under the Ondine label, this album showcases the ethereal and avant-garde compositions that Rautavaara is renowned for, blending neoclassical and operatic elements into a mesmerizing auditory experience.
The album opens with the titular piece, "Marjatta matala neiti" (Marjatta, the Lowly Maiden), a one-act mystery play that tells the enchanting story of Marjatta, who becomes impregnated after eating a lingonberry and gives birth to a son. This intriguing narrative is followed by "Puusepan poika" (The Carpenter's Son), a piece for SSA chorus that adds a touch of folk-inspired melody to the collection.
A significant portion of the album is dedicated to the "Lorca Suite, Op. 72b," a four-movement suite inspired by the poetry of Federico García Lorca. Each movement—"Cancion de jinete," "El grito," "La luna asoma," and "Malague'na"—offers a unique interpretation of Lorca's verses, showcasing Rautavaara's ability to translate poetic imagery into evocative musical landscapes.
The "Lorulei" trilogy and "Wenn sich die Welt auftut" (When the World Opens Up) further enrich the album with their intricate compositions and hauntingly beautiful melodies. The latter piece, a five-movement suite, explores themes of love, joy, and revelation, adding depth and variety to the album's repertoire.
The album concludes with "Lapsimessu" (Children's Mass), a sacred work that includes the traditional components of a mass—Kyrie, Gloria, Agnus Dei, and Halleluja—interspersed with meditative reflections. This final piece underscores Rautavaara's ability to blend the sacred and the secular, creating a profound and uplifting conclusion to the album.
Performed by the world-renowned Tapiola Choir under the direction of Pasi Hyokki, "Marjatta, the Lowly Maiden" is a testament to Rautavaara's genius and the choir's exceptional artistry. With a duration of 1 hour and 9 minutes, this album is a must-listen for fans of neoclassical, avant-garde, and operatic music, offering a rich and diverse exploration of Rautavaara's compositions for children's choir.
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