ECM Records releases a new album with Veljo Tormis’ music “Reminiscentiae”, recorded by the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and Tallinn Chamber Orchestra under Tõnu Kaljuste.
The conductor Tõnu Kaljuste has said: “This album is a recollection of memories, evoking scenes from Veljo Tormis’ childhood. As well as the Melancholy Songs and Herding Calls, it includes a selection of his choral pieces set for string orchestra Reminiscentiae.
The Tower Bell in My Village is a commission from 1978. I went to the composer’s door holding in my hands the text by Fernando Pessoa and asked him to create a piece for a concert tour with my choir. This album reflects upon our collaboration over the years. It is the first album that I have recorded since Veljo Tormis passed away.”
In addition, the album also includes Worry Breaks the Spirit and Hamlet’s Song I for choir and orchestra.
The soloist cast include Veiko Tubin (narrator), Annika Lõhmus, Triin Sakermaa and Maria Valdmaa (sopranos), Iris Oja (mezzo-soprano), Indrek Vau (trumpet), Madis Metsamart (percussion) and Linda Vood (flute).
The album was recorded in 2020 at the Tallinn Methodist Church, with ECM’s founder Manfred Eicher as the producer and Tammo Sumera as sound engineer.