The EPCC has released a new recording – vinyl “Seasons in Songs”, which is based on the works of Estonian great choral master Veljo Tormis (1930-1917). The output of Tormis has been a source of inspiration for many musicians. On this recording, the celebrated Estonian musicians – vocal soloist Liisi Koikson, jazz pianist Kristjan Randalu and the EPCC – perform the arrangements of Tormis’ less known vocal works. The new sound, electronic background and choral arrangements are written by \u00dclo Krigul and Sander M\u00f6lder.<\/p>\n
The recording was produced in cooperation with Liisi Koikson (vocal), Kristjan Randalu (piano),\u00a0\u00dclo Krigul, Sander M\u00f6lder (sound design, additional composition, production), the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and the conductor Kaspars Putnin\u0161. Recording, mixing, mastering by Siim M\u00e4esalu. Artwork of the vinyl by Peeter Laurits.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not I who uses folk songs, it\u2019s folk songs that use me.\u201d The composer Veljo Tormis\u00a0<\/em>was a great Singer who managed to create an organic blend of words and music,\u00a0<\/em>a fusion of a philosophical message and its musical expression. And to keep both\u00a0<\/em>the concept and composition equally strong. And to hold on to the firm belief in the\u00a0<\/em>righteousness of ancient springs of song but at the same time understand that musical\u00a0<\/em>water needed new riverbeds to keep flowing. And to be a teacher of language, history\u00a0<\/em>and singing, all three at once.<\/em>
\nOur journey on this record continues down the same path. We sourced the music in\u00a0<\/em>Tormis\u2019 works. We have sung it as he taught us \u2013 making sure that we know the roots,\u00a0<\/em>but with an ear and feel for the time around us. Tormis lived and worked at a time when\u00a0<\/em>songs were passed on mainly in writing \u2013 music was noted and recreated in sheet\u00a0<\/em>music. The present day has seen the (re)emergence of other ways to pass on songs,\u00a0<\/em>which broaden the possibilities of written scores. A song lasts as long as it resounds.<\/em>
\nTherefore, we can perhaps sum up what we do by paraphrasing Tormis \u2013 \u201cit\u2019s not we\u00a0<\/em>who use Tormis, it\u2019s Tormis who uses us.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n