The Estonian composer Toivo Tulev has forged a unique sound world. His music, with its almost obsessive focus on religious mysticism, can be sensual and emotional but also cerebral and technically demanding. Tulev often takes inspiration from his extensive travels, in particular from the city of Istanbul which, like his vocal music, bridges East and West. His meditation on the words of Sufi mystic Mansur Al-Hallaj, I said, Who are You? – He said, You, conjures up a transcendent atmosphere, while his Magnificat departs from the text’s traditionally solemn setting with its stratospherically high string writing and wild percussion solos.
"Throughout my admiration is with the outstanding Latvian choir which today has few equals. Under their conductor, Kaspars Putniņš, their dedication to the works they are performing is admirable, and they are captured in a first class recording with the composer as the producer."
Jean-Yves Duperron | Classical Music Sentinel | 09.2018
"This music is simple, almost primitive, as if its source spanned millenniums, but at the same time highly complex and forward looking. It eludes immediate elucidation and analysis, just like the texts it is based on. Something all choral music fans should explore."
Latvian Radio Choir
Tallinn Chamber Orchestra
conductor | Kaspars Putniņš