This new album by the award-winning Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir together with Tallinn Chamber Orchestra led by Risto Joost includes one of Tõnu Kõrvits’ (b....

This new album by the award-winning Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir together with Tallinn Chamber Orchestra led by Risto Joost includes one of Tõnu Kõrvits’ (b. 1969) most recent works, You Are Light and Morning (Sei la luce e il mattino). Kõrvits, one of the most prominent Estonian composers of our time, has created an impressive 60-minute piece for choir and orchestra based on the poetry of 20th century Italian writer Cesare Pavese. The work was premiered by the choir and the orchestra under Risto Joost in Tallinn in June 2019 and was hailed by many as one of Kõrvits’ greatest achievements.

The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir (the EPCC) is one of the best-known Estonian music ensembles in the world. The choir was founded in 1981 by Tõnu Kaljuste, who was its artistic director and chief conductor for twenty years. The repertoire of the choir extends from baroque to the music of the 21st century, with a special focus on the work of Estonian composers, such as Arvo Pärt, Veljo Tormis, Galina Grigorjeva, Tõnu Kõrvits and introducing their output to the world. The choir has won the Grammy Award twice and has received 15 Grammy nominations. Other awards include the Gramophone Award, the Diapason d’Or, and Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik.

REVIEW:

This is an excellent recording of an important new Estonian work. I personally don’t think that this piece quite makes it into a category of what one might describe as “great” modern music, but who cares? It’s a wonderful and committed performance, gorgeously recorded. If you think this might interest you, I believe it will not disappoint!

-- Fanfare