Composer

:

Veljo Tormis

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1948

Average_duration

:

7:50

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

'Songs (2) after Ernst Enno' is a choral composition by the Estonian composer Veljo Tormis. The piece was composed in 1974 and premiered in the same year. It consists of two movements, each based on a poem by the Estonian poet Ernst Enno. The first movement, titled "The Nightingale's Song," is a setting of Enno's poem "Ööbiku laul." The piece begins with a solo soprano voice singing a haunting melody, which is then taken up by the choir. The music is characterized by its use of dissonant harmonies and unconventional vocal techniques, such as whispering and hissing. The overall effect is one of mystery and otherworldliness, evoking the nocturnal world of the nightingale. The second movement, titled "The Wind's Song," is a setting of Enno's poem "Tuule laul." The music is more lively and rhythmic than the first movement, with a driving pulse and a sense of forward momentum. The choir sings in unison for much of the piece, with occasional harmonies and counterpoint. The vocal lines are often punctuated by percussive sounds, such as clapping and stomping, which add to the sense of energy and movement. Overall, 'Songs (2) after Ernst Enno' is a striking and innovative work that showcases Tormis's unique style and approach to choral music. The piece is notable for its use of unconventional vocal techniques, its evocative imagery, and its incorporation of folk music elements. It remains a popular and frequently performed work in the choral repertoire.

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