Paavo Jaervi is one of the international stars of orchestral conducting, but he has always found time to champion the music of his native Estonia. He made the recordings here between 2012 and 2020 with the
Estonian Festival Orchestra in various locations; the remastering from the
Alpha label presents no sonic jolts, and the orchestra plays these works cleanly and with a familiarity that a foreign group might not bring.
Jaervi's intention is to present to the wider world some names beyond those of
Arvo Paert,
Erkki-Sven Tueuer, and perhaps
Veljo Tormis, the Estonian composers who have become internationally known, and indeed, the program testifies to the musical vitality of this small Baltic country. The works on offer are remarkably varied.
Tonu Korvits' three-movement
To the Moonlight is cinematic, influenced by blues tonality, and inspired by, of all things,
Jimmy Webb's country-pop song
The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress. The two works by
Uelo Krigul embody abstract ideas with both musical and nonmusical senses: a
chord and a
bow.
Helena Tulve's
L'ombre derriere toi ("The Shadow Behind You"), originally composed for violas da gamba but here played on a viola and two cellos, is influenced by French spectralism, while
Tauno Aints'
Estonia Overture is a patriotic piece in the late Romantic vein. Finally,
Lepo Sumera's
Olympic Music I was written for the sailing event of the 1980 Summer Olympics, held in Moscow; it is a fine example of big, public modern classical music. No two of the pieces resemble each other, but one can arguably hear something Estonian in each. A worthwhile introduction to music from one of the world's great musical scenes. ~ James Manheim
