Things of Beauty [ENHANCED]

Loituma

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 24, 1998)
• Original Release Date: February 24, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Northside Records
• ASIN: B000003TI1
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #98,790 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
The kantele, a mix of harp, hammered dulcimer, and zither, is Finland's national instrument, and Loituma show the range of its possibilities on this album. Ranging from the traditional, like "Leva's Polka" (which was released as a Finnish single and hit the charts), to the modern, the band covers a musical territory that encompasses the atmospheric with Marti Pokela's insidious "Marshaland" and "Three Things of Beauty," whose words are adapted from Kalevala poetry, and bring to mind an acoustic Cocteau Twins. Originally formed by two singers who later moved to Hedningarna, Loituma produce a lovely balance of vocal and instrumental pieces that offer unalloyed joy while introducing American audiences to the light magic that is the kantele. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Loituma Lives Up To Their Name, August 28, 1999

By	[e-mail] (Hilliard, Ohio) - See all my reviews

You read that Vainamoinen, hero the the Finnish epic "Kalevala" worked great feats of magic and charms by playing the Kantele (Finnish harp) as no other could. You will be a believer when you hear Loituma's "Things of Beauty." I was amazed at the wealth of undiscovered beauty that has been brought forth by Baltic Finnish culture. For example, the exquisite "Kolme Kaunista" 'Three Things of Beauty'. It captures the essence of that surge of joy one feels on a beautiful summer day. "Valamon Kirkonkellot" 'Valamo Cloister Bells' is exceptional in its conveyance of Karelian Orthodox bells. Timo Vaananen delivers a beautiful vocal performance in "Kultaansa Ikavoiva" 'There is My Lover' alongside Sanna-Kurki Sounio's (now of Hedningarna fame) lovely "Eriskumainen Kantele" 'My Kantele.' This album is a gem.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding - like listening to Angels, March 5, 1999

By A Customer

Spoken Finnish not required - the harmonies and rhythms produced by Loituma are outstanding. Their use of the Finnish Harp compliments the super vocals. You'll be shaking your head - tapping in time - enthralled!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Music of Finland at it's best, November 23, 2008

By	Deborah L. Horton (Grand Rapids, Minnesota) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The music of Loituma is refreshing and new. A great mix of talented voices and traditional Finnish intruments. Although in Finnish, the songs speak the international language of music. A must-have for collectors of Finnish music and those who wish to expand their musical horizons beyond that which is familiar.