Galina Grigorjeva: Music for Male-Voice Choir

6 reviews for Galina Grigorjeva: Music for Male-Voice Choir

1. MusicWeb International :

   ‘[…]Theodor Sink’s cello playing is virtuosic and flawless. […]

   The impeccable Estonian National Male Choir sings the whole selection beautifully. Cellist Theodor Sink’s contributions are faultless. Evi Arujärv’s notes are, as I said earlier, excellent. In short, this is a fine release that deserves to be heard.’

   —Hubert Culot, MusicWeb International

2. Planet Hugill :

   ”Nocturno[…] is strong and rich with a fabulous depth to the sound. […]

   This is a terrific disc, partly from the richness and seductive intensity of Grigorjeva’s music, referring to earlier composers and styles yet always creating her own. But also, partly because of the simply stunning performances from the Estonian National Male Voice Choir. Their photo shows around 50 men, and the depth of sound that they are thus able to create is simply phenomenal, and their grasp of the complexities of Grigorjeva’s style is masterly. A slightly surprising yet very definite hit.’

   —Robert Hugill, Planet Hugill

3. WTJU :

   ‘Grigorjeva uses repeated motifs effectively. Sometimes it creates a pulse that gives the music life. Other times it gives the music a sense of motion, impelling it towards a well-defined climax.

   Grigorjeva’s textures are often transparent, but never simple. Motion between lines may be similar, but they’re not exactly parallel. Subtle variations color the harmonies. And they also color the character of the text.

   I didn’t understand a word being sung. But I was still drawn into the ethereal, contemplative nature of the music. The Estonian National Male Choir under Mikk Üleoja’s direction, has a malleable ensemble sound. They can sing with open-throated authority, delivering a rumbling bass thunder. And they can sing with quiet subtlety, creating a soundscape of delectate beauty.

   In 2014 Galina Grigorjeva was awarded the Order of the White Star. It recognized Grigorjeva’s twenty years of musical contributions to the Estonian state. As this album makes clear, it was a well-deserved award.’

   —Ralph Graves, WTJU

4. Fanfare :

   ‘This is a fine new recording of works that I believe showcase a composer thoroughly secure in what she is trying to do, and convincing in her achievement. Well worth investigating.’

   —Fanfare

5. Muusika :

   ‘Grigorjeva kirjutab ilusat muusikat, mida on kuulajana kerge omaks võtta. Salvestatud muusika sobib nii rahulikuks taustaks muude tegevuste saateks kui keskendunult kuulamiseks koos sisekaemuslike mõtisklustega. […]

   Galina Grigorjeva on suurepärane helilooja, kelle teoste ettekandmine pakub ka professionaalsetele kollektiividele väljakutset, samas kui õige vokaalitunne paika saada, on võimalik kuulajale ülimat ja paljutähenduslikku muusikalist kogemust pakkuda.’

   English translation:

   ‘Grigorjeva writes beautiful music that is easy to embrace as a listener. The recorded music is suitable both as a peaceful background to accompany other activities and for concentrated listening with introspective reflections. […]

   Galina Grigorjeva is a great composer, whose works are a challenge even for professional ensembles, while if the right vocal feeling is established, it is possible to offer the listener a supreme and meaningful musical experience.’

   —Maarja Malmet, Muusika

6. Gramophone :

   ‘[Grigorjeva] has a remarkable ability to surprise the listener with a combination of a completely traditional aesthetic approach, deriving from both sacred and secular traditions of the past, and a hugely discerning employment of things that come from another context and age entirely. […]

   The Estonian National Male Choir is the ensemble for which it was written, and they are completely at home with this music, catching every nuance and dynamic shade. […]

   Arresting and original music, superbly sung. Very highly recommended.’

   —Ivan Moody, Gramophone