Customer Reviews

Veljo Tormis: Forgotten Peoples

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
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Few composers can so masterfully combine folk tradition with modern musical trends. Tormis combines the rythmic sounds of finno-ugric folk songs with the power of a choir to create a sound that is haunting and hypnotising. On the other hand, Tormis also provides these small disappearing nations with an invaluable service, by making sure their languages and their songs will not be forgotten. Their songs also include information on how these people lived, their life cycle, their rituals and traditions, etc. All of this information could have been lost had it not been for Tormis's outstanding efforts. I had the chance in the last few years to interact with some of the very few Livonians remaining in this world (one of the groups featured in this collection), and it was a great surprise for me to see that the songs included on Tormis's "Forgotten People" are still sung by them, and it was their surprise to see that I already knew some of those melodies. If you are looking for pure "ethnic" music, "Forgotten People" might not be up your alley, since these songs are stylized and sung by a choir. However the resulting sound is unique, and is a proud tribute to these forgotten people.

I wish a review could do this work justice. I think Tormis has written one of the greatest choral works of all time, without question. The pieces are written in languages similar to Estonian and Finnish. The cultures, along with the languages, are becoming erased by time, hence the bleak front cover with the fence falling into overgrown grass.

On the other hand, the music is playful and filled with variety. Strange? Absolutely, but in a truly warm and inviting way. There are complete lyrics and English translations, so you will understand everything that is going on.

This is one of the greatest musical discoveries I have ever made. No exaggeration. Any work that preserves history so distinctly deserves wide recognition. Spread the word.

I haven't much to add to the previous review except to say that I agree with it. This is a fine choral collection, and one to play for that classical curmudgeon you know who insists good music isn't being written anymore. I've had this recording for over 4 years and it's one I keep taking off the shelf and relisten to.

I'm gonna make this a brief one, as this two CD set completely blew my mind & certain passages left me virtually speechless. All-in-all a massively arresting & emotive choral work that completely avoids any of the occasional pitfalls that can mar this classical sub-genre (I.E. overbearing pomposity, religious dogma) leaving a stark yet rich tapestry of human feeling & achievement. Considering I normally indulge in more sombre chamber-style modern classical works that err towards the instrumental & string/piano based, to take a chance on this purely voice-driven collection, mainly down to the 5 star reviews, was a bit of a risk. I'm proud I took the leap of faith as this is now one of my most treasured possessions! Take my word, this is a remarkable set. Hats off to ECM once again! Gorgeous from start to finish.....

What a treasure this ECM New Series release is! From its haunting cover photograph to its informative booklet, this two-CD set is clearly a labor of love for those who produced it. And then, of course, there is the music...

Estonian composer Veljo Tormis (b. 1930) has fashioned six song cycles using elements of ancient folk melodies. The music is not an assemblage of old folk tunes that he researched; rather, it is his evocation of these melodiesCthe music of forgotten peoples. The music sounds at once very ancient and very modern, something like the music of Arvo Pärt, but this is music with its own voice. Indeed, it is hard to keep in mind that this is all music that has been composedCit has the feeling of genuine folk art.

ECM has done a wonderful job of capturing this choir in a resonant but not cavernous acoustic, and as sheer sound, this music is a rewarding aural experience. You can enjoy this recording simply for its sound, or you can take the time to study the lyrics and learn something about these forgotten peoples. No matter which approach you take, you will find that this is music that is powerful, haunting -- and hard to forget.

I heard an excerpt on the classical radio station and wanted to hear more and ordered the CD. Interesting sound!