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On American Shores

8/1/2010, 25 Tracks, 1:06:46

Featuring

  • Bruce Browne
  • The Portland State Chamber Choir
  • Veljo Tormis

Did you know?

1/7

Composer Biography

Veljo Tormis (b. 1930) is considered the preeminent composer of Baltic choral music, known for both large-scale works and folk songs.

Source: Booklet

Composer's Artistic Vision

Tormis's style was significantly influenced by his acquaintance with the authentic sound and rhythm of peasant songs from remote Estonian villages, as well as by composers Carl Orff and Zoltan Kodaly.

Source: Booklet

Interpretation

Veljo Tormis encouraged foreign choirs to sing his compositions in translation, believing that singers and audiences should understand the song's meaning.

Source: Booklet

Cultural Impact

Veljo Tormis played a crucial role in Estonian culture by producing choral music for the popular movement of amateur choirs and National Song Festivals, which supported Estonian identity against Russification.

Source: Booklet

Composer Biography

Tormis studied music in Tallinn from age 12 and continued his studies as a composer at the Moscow Conservatory, graduating in 1956 despite the Baltic countries being under USSR domination.

Source: Booklet

Compositional Technique

Tormis uses a wide range of vocal colors, from open fifths to bi-tonality, and is known for creating tension through cumulative repetitions of ancient folk tunes.

Source: Booklet

Performer Biography

Dr. Bruce Browne, the director of the Portland State University Chamber Choir, is Professor Emeritus of Music at Portland State University and Conductor Emeritus of the Portland Symphonic Choir.

Source: Booklet

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