Reviews

VELJO Tormis is one of Estonia's most admired composers – an elder statesman whose work has run parallel to that of his direct contemporary, the more internationally renowned Arvo Pärt. His style is quite different, based more on the lively runic origins of Estonian folk music than Pärt's preoccupation with so-called "holy minimalism".  These performances by the Holst Singers under Stephen Layton capture the mystical simplicity of Tormis's choral style, a touching blend of naturally-flowing tonality tinged with splashes of judiciously applied dissonance. Estonian lullabies, game songs, and other more sultry examples of his mellifluous writing give character and variety to this colourful selection of a cappella part songs.