Baltic Voices 1 / Kreek Sandstrom / Rautavaara / Part / Vasks

When you need to put your surroundings into the proper perspective for communicating with the Trinity of Christianity, this is one of the best vehicles to set the scene.

This first volume of Baltic Voices, performed by the highly acclaimed Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, is a pure enjoyment for any fans of choral music as well as those interested in folk music. All pieces on this CD were pretty much written in the 20th century, starting with Cyrillus Kreek's enchanting Psalms of David (1923), sung in Estonian, and ending with Arvo Pärt's world premiere recording of "...which was the son of..." (2000)-- a fascinating, yet simple, depiction of the geneaology of Jesus from the Gospel of Luke (performed in English). Veljo Tormis does a beautiful job blending the old folk music themes with some new motives in the Latvian Bourdon Songs (1982). And there is much more to discover from other composers... The singing, the sound, and the recording are simply beautiful. The accompanying booklet offers additional details as well as translations.

Several tracks on this album are absolutely incredible.

I heard the first track (Bless the Lord, O My Soul) by chance on NPR one evening and was immediately spellbound by its unique phrasing.

The last track (Dona Nobis Pacem), aided by a climactic interplay of voice and string, stung me with a beautiful sensation which reaffirmed to my soul that music captures the reason for being alive.

As a newcomer to choral music, I cannot compare this work to many others. However, I can wholeheartedly declare that this album will appeal to those that kneel in humility to the beauty of the human voice.

The very first time I heard a recording from this CD was on NPR several years ago, and it featured excerpts from the Cyrillus Kreek piece. Needless to say, I was in awe of what I heard and consequently had to get the CD. It was one of the most worthwhile purchases I ever made!

The choir performs with ubiquitous energy and notable vigor when a selection would require it. Furthermore, there are many contrasting works featured on this disc, from the ethereal Cyrillus Kreek selection, to the folk-inspired Spring Song and other, more avant-garde repertoire.

It may be the case that one will not instantly fall in love with every single track on this disc, but I would make a case for the fact that there are a number of universally appealing choral works on this disc that, next to the somewhat affordable price, would certainly warrant the purchase!

Many composers from Baltic countries round out this incredible compact disc, sung by a collection of excellent voices. The vocal blending is tremendous, despite isolation of the voices over several parts in, at times, serious dissonance. The music is so haunting, I must say I've listened to it nearly every day since I bought it. I witnessed their concert in Houghton, New York last fall, and immediately bought both this CD and the Powers of Heaven.