Composer

:

Veljo Tormis

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

10:19

'Raua needmine' is a choral work composed by Veljo Tormis in 1972. The piece premiered in Tallinn, Estonia on May 12, 1972, performed by the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir under the direction of Tõnu Kaljuste. The work is divided into four movements, each depicting a different aspect of Estonian folklore. The first movement, "The Curse Upon Iron," tells the story of the ancient Estonians' belief that iron was a cursed material that brought destruction and death. The second movement, "The Unreturning One," is a lament for those who have died in battle and will never return home. The third movement, "The Fugitive," tells the story of a man who has been wrongfully accused and must flee for his life. The final movement, "The Incantation of Luige Matus," is a funeral chant for a swan, a symbol of the soul's journey to the afterlife. Tormis's use of traditional Estonian folk melodies and harmonies is a defining characteristic of 'Raua needmine.' The piece is also notable for its use of vocal techniques such as overtone singing and yodeling, which are common in Estonian folk music. The choral writing is complex and demanding, requiring a high level of skill and precision from the performers. Overall, 'Raua needmine' is a powerful and evocative work that showcases Tormis's mastery of Estonian folk music and his ability to create deeply emotional and expressive choral music.

More....