Vox Clamantis, NYYD Ensemble, Estonian National Symphony Orchestra & Olari Elts - Erkki-Sven Tuur: Oxymoron

Oxymoron - contradictory terms in conjunction - seems to be a perfectly appropriate title for a CD presenting four pieces written between 1991 and 2005 by Estonian composer Erkki-Sven T��r for different vocal and instrumental line-ups. Salve Regina is one of a burgeoning number of pieces of a religious nature that T��r has written recently; the earliest piece here is the short Dedication for cello and piano. The central work, Ardor, is a 25-minute concerto for that rather neglected instrument, the marimba, while the large ensemble piece that gives the album its title, Oxymoron, was inspired by the Alps. T��r's writing is characterized by juxtapositions of seemingly heterogeneous musical idioms always moulded with a rare sense of architecture and musical dramaturgy. Oxymoron is the fourth ECM release dedicated exclusively to his music. It follows 'Exodus' which featured the CBSO conducted by Paavo J�rvi in three major orchestral works. These included the Violin Concerto, performed by Isabelle van Keulen, which she also played to great acclaim at the 2003 BBC Proms. Personnel: Vox Clamantis, NYYD Ensemble, Pedro Carneiro (marimba), Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, Olari Elts (conductor), Leho Karin (cello), Marrit Gerretz Traksmann (piano)