Saatus / Fate
Erdenklang 40772, 1994
The music presented in this recording is based on so-called regi-song. This is considered to be the oldest style of traditional Estonian music. The regi-verse song-form (verse in the Kalevala-metre) is common to the majority of Balto-Finnic cultures. It is presumed to date back to the 1st Millenium BC.
The present recordings introduce a wide variety of traditional Estonian music instruments. Piece No 1 introduces the oldest Estonian string instrument, the kannel, which is a traditional instrument common to the 10 cultures residing on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. The kannel’s venerable age is at least 2000 years.
Vibrant and magical, the regi-verse songs of Kirile Loo are as timeless as the primeval forests that blanket the Estonian landscape, and as haunting as the dreams one just barely remembers upon waking. And there is the pure, soulfully direct and totally captivating voice of this echanting artist: Kirile Loo was born in a Northern Estonian village called Varinurme. She spent the majority of her childhood at her grandmother’s home at Alutaguse, which is a place in Estonia covered by primeval forests and untouched by civilization. There was no electricity, no telephone, no TV in her grandmother’s home, but close ties with nature in such a place; bear, elk, wolves and snakes lived nearby the house. The artistic creed of Kirile Loo cannot easily be put into words. From a human perspective, the ideals of Kirile Loo are rooted in ancient times, when primitive man expressed thoughts in a straightforward manner, without unnecessary philosophical speculations.
Regilaul or regivärss is to Estonians what delta blues is to Americans. This particular recording is exceptionally good and recorded very professionally. Kirile Loo's voice is amazing. I recommend this CD to all the folk music lovers out there. It would certainly be a valuable addition to your collection. For people with Estonian heritage - this is a must have.
The CD, "Saatus", is of primary interest to two groups: music historians; and Estonians who wish to learn more about their culture. Until the fall of the Soviet Union, Estonians in exile had little or no opportunity to visit their native country; but the music and folk dance traditions have continued, even to the young generation of today. The ancient songs have rarely been heard at gatherings and festivals. "Saatus" brings together several selections so that the listener gains a broader view of the sounds and words of early Baltic musicians/singers. The chant-like, repetitive qualities of the songs are hypnotic. However, even music historians would have difficulty understanding the intent and content of the songs without the ability to understand or speak Estonian.
01. Vana Kannel - The Ancient Psaltery
02. Loomine - The Creation
03. Taevalaotuse Tekkimine - Genesis Of...
04. Höikumised - Holla
05. Ristitantsi - Cross Dance
06. Igatsus - Longing
07. Äia-Tuija
08. Joodiku Nadal - Drunkard's Week
09. Ei Mina Möista - I Do Not Apprehend
10. Äiu-äiu, Kössi-Kössi - Lullaby
11. Oh Minu Elu Igava - O,My Life!
12. Saare Tants - Island Dance
13. Akkame, Mehed, Minema! - Let's Go,Men!
14. Roopilli Hüüd - Reed Pipe Skirl
15. Surnuitk - Song Of Lamentation
16. Öhtu Ilu - Evening Son
320 kbps including full scans
Part 1
Part 2
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