Sumera: Mushroom Cantata / Concerto Per Voci E Strumenti / Island Maiden's Song From the Sea

Dive into the enchanting world of Lepo Sumera's choral and orchestral masterpieces with this captivating album, released in 2005 under the BIS label. This neoclassical gem showcases Sumera's unique compositional voice, blending intricate vocal arrangements with rich orchestral textures.

The album opens with "Concerto per voci e strumenti," a three-movement work commissioned by renowned conductor Tõnu Kaljuste. This piece, composed in 1997, features a mixed chorus and string orchestra, with lyrics by Doris Kareva, and offers a dynamic range of moods, from the intense "Furioso" to the mysterious "Allegro misterioso."

Next, experience the haunting beauty of "Kui tume veel kauaks ka sinu maa," an a cappella choral piece that reflects on the enduring spirit of one's homeland. This work is followed by the whimsical "Seenekantaat" (Mushroom Cantata), a four-movement cantata that explores themes of nature, fear, and indulgence, with each section painting a vivid musical landscape.

The album culminates in the expansive "Saare piiga laul merest" (Island Maiden's Song from the Sea), a dramatic work that combines chorus, actors, flute, piano, and bass drum to tell a captivating tale inspired by Estonian folklore. This piece, composed in 1988, is a testament to Sumera's storytelling prowess and his ability to create immersive musical experiences.

Throughout the album, the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Tõnu Kaljuste, deliver stunning performances that bring Sumera's compositions to life. With a total duration of 1 hour and 8 minutes, this album is a treasure trove of neoclassical delights that will captivate listeners from start to finish.