Composer

:

Veljo Tormis

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1997

Average_duration

:

7:52

'Forging the Sampo' is a choral work composed by Veljo Tormis in 1977. The piece was premiered in Tallinn, Estonia on May 12, 1977, by the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir under the direction of Tõnu Kaljuste. The work is based on the Finnish epic poem 'Kalevala', which tells the story of the creation of the Sampo, a magical artifact that brings prosperity and good fortune to its owner. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which represents a different stage in the creation of the Sampo. The first movement, 'The Forging', is a rhythmic and energetic depiction of the blacksmith Ilmarinen forging the Sampo from a mountain of copper, silver, and gold. The choir sings in unison, creating a powerful and driving rhythm that evokes the sound of the blacksmith's hammer. The second movement, 'The Theft', is a more subdued and mysterious section that tells the story of Louhi, the witch who steals the Sampo from Ilmarinen. The choir sings in a hushed and ethereal tone, creating a sense of tension and foreboding. The final movement, 'The Loss and Recovery', is a triumphant and celebratory section that depicts the recovery of the Sampo by the hero Väinämöinen. The choir sings in a joyful and exultant manner, with soaring melodies and rich harmonies that evoke the sense of victory and triumph. Overall, 'Forging the Sampo' is a powerful and evocative work that showcases Tormis's skill as a composer and his deep connection to the folk traditions of his native Estonia. The piece is characterized by its use of rhythmic and melodic motifs drawn from traditional Estonian and Finnish music, as well as its rich and complex harmonies and textures. It is a testament to the enduring power of folk traditions and the ability of music to capture the essence of a culture and its history.

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