Tonu Korvits: The Sound of Wings

by Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Risto Joost, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra

Overview

The music of Tonu Korvits is recognizably of the contemporary Estonian school yet is difficult to classify. His works are too variegated to fit comfortably with the minimalists, but neither do they rely on neo-Romantic or socialist-realist models. Many have a mythological orientation that slides off into a quietly ecstatic mood. Amelia Earhart is not a mythological figure, but her story fits Korvits' style beautifully in this 11-movement work for choir and strings, beautifully rendered by the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and Tallinn Chamber Orchestra under conductor Risto Joost. The Sound of Wings is the last in a trilogy of Korvits works to texts by Doris Kareva; this one (in Estonian, but with translations provided) depicts the sensations of flight clearly, but both text and music are abstract, with only oblique references to Earhart's demise ("A lone-island lighthouse / awaits the sound of wings / But silence remains. / Can you hear?) Korvits responds with repeating but not minimal figures that bring to life Kareva's words: "You know the sky is my home- / the sky and beyond. / No one ever goes missing." The piece ends with a hymn-like movement, "The Sound and Song of Wings," which is also the longest one and allows the music to, so to speak, drift skyward. Those wanting to sample Korvits' style can also try the brief Puehapaeevasoov ("Sunday Wish"), which rings the curtain down. A lovely release that should appeal to choirs far and wide; Korvits has set English-language texts before, and a translation of this one would be desirable. ~ James Manheim

Product Details

Release Date:	06/02/2023
Label:	Ondine
UPC:	0761195141724
Rank:	159234

Tracks

1. Tiibade hääl (The Sound of Wings) for choir and string instruments~Ülemereühenduses... (On the Line)
2. Tiibade hääl (The Sound of Wings) for choir and string instruments~I. Taevas ja tundmatus (The Sky and Beyond)
3. Tiibade hääl (The Sound of Wings) for choir and string instruments~II. Puutuda su kätt (The Touch of Your Hand)
4. Tiibade hääl (The Sound of Wings) for choir and string instruments~III. Vapruse vääringus (In the Currency of Courage)
5. Tiibade hääl (The Sound of Wings) for choir and string instruments~IV. Üks armastus (One Love)
6. Tiibade hääl (The Sound of Wings) for choir and string instruments~V. Nõnda kõneleb süda (Thus Speaks the Heart)
7. Tiibade hääl (The Sound of Wings) for choir and string instruments~VI. Tuletorn (Lighthouse)
8. Tiibade hääl (The Sound of Wings) for choir and string instruments~VII. Tähistulv (The Star Stream)
9. Tiibade hääl (The Sound of Wings) for choir and string instruments~VIII. Üle peegelvee (Over Looking Glass Water)
10. Tiibade hääl (The Sound of Wings) for choir and string instruments~Põhilõuna põhjatusse sööst... (Running North and South...)
11. Tiibade hääl (The Sound of Wings) for choir and string instruments~IX. Tiibade hääl ja hüüd (The Sound and Song of Wings)
12. Pühapäevasoov (Sunday Wish) for soprano, high voices and string orchestra

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir   Primary Artist,Choir/Chorus
Risto Joost   Primary Artist,Conductor
Tallinn Chamber Orchestra   Primary Artist,Orchestra
Marianne Paerna   Alto (Vocals)
Maarja Helstein   Alto (Vocals)
Yena Choi   Soprano (Vocal)
Mariliis Tiiter   Soprano (Vocal)
Laur Eensalu   Viola
Triin Sakermaa   Soprano (Vocal)

Technical Credits

Tanel Klesment   Recording Producer
Kristel Pappel   Liner Notes
Viive Maeemets   Editing,Recording Producer
Doris Kareva   Text
Reijo Kiilunen   Executive Producer
Tonu Korvits   Composer,Liner Notes
Kaupo Kikkas   Photography
Anneli Ivaste   Photography
Joel Valkila   Booklet Editor
Kristel Ueksvaerav   Photography
Ingrid Huebscher   Liner Note Translation
Miriam McIlfatrick-Ksenofontov   Text Translation
Siim Hiob   Assistant Engineer
Enno Maemets   Mastering,Mixing,Engineer