Jaakko Mäntyjärvi: Salvat
Jaakko Mäntyjärvi (1963-): Salvat1701
Vaivainen valitan vaikiast’
Tänn’, Herra, korvas kallista
Mailma minua pettää
Kirjoittaa on minull’ miel’
O Kriste, kunnian Kuningas
Ah! miks olet, ihmisraukka
Mustaan multaan tuhvaks’
Ah! mik’ ompi elom’ tääl’
Ah surutoin! koskas synnistä lakkaat
Jo aikani nyt joutuu
Päivä tykööm’ pois kulkee
Mailma, sinut jätän
Herra Jeesus kun täällä vain kanssamme on
ÄKT:n Janne-palkinto vuoden parhaasta kuorolevystä
Choral drama based on the Finnish ‘Old Hymnal’ of 1701
Tuuli Lindeberg, soprano
Sanna Kurki-Suonio, mezzosoprano
Topi Lehtipuu, tenor
Jyrki Korhonen, bass
Jukka Voutilainen, Olli Tuominen, Tarja Siimes, spoken parts
Tapiola Chamber Choir, cond. Hannu Norjanen
Reviews • Arvioita
The music plays rather like the accompaniment to a modern mystery play, though the work’s musical resolutions and climaxes compel the attention in their own, muted way. // The Tapiola [Chamber] Choir (to which Mäntyjärvi himself belongs) sings magnificently. [The recording is] of demonstration class and strongly recommended to lovers of mainstream as well as unusual choral repertoire: you have a real treat in store.
(Guy Rickards, Gramophone, Awards/2003)
The wonderful Tapiola Chamber Choir performs splendidly, with great subtlety, power, and conviction. […] [T]heir stunning sound and hard-hitting emotional powers could only be the work of a master choir. This is a work that can convey its intended effect only to native Finns. Nevertheless, I fell head-over-heels into its bleak, yet finally hopeful spell, and emerged both deeply shaken and reassured at its end. […] [D]on’t hesitate to give it a try. You’ve probably never heard anything quite like it.
(American Record Guide, September/October 2003)
It soon becomes apparent how earthy, powerful and blunt the Old Hymnal can be. It pulls no punches in chastising sinners. In the hymns that Mäntyjärvi has selected, the wretchedness, sinfulness and transitoriness of the human race are outlined in no uncertain terms: Man under almighty God is a helpless wretch progressing towards an inevitable death. Remorse and sorrow under trial and tribulation are ever-present. […] Solo and choral sections alternate. […] The most important role, however, is that of the Tapiola Chamber Choir conducted by Hannu Norjanen, demonstrating the living heritage of the Old Hymnal in our changing and insecure world with a powerful and nuanced performance. […] Even heard on disc it is an overwhelming experience.
(Pentti Ritolahti, Kotimaa 23/11/01)
The hymn settings are highly natural and gratifying to sing. The overall dramaturgy also works well. The anxiety and anguish of the opening turn to comfort and faith towards the end. // The Tapiola Chamber Choir is one of our elite choirs. Its sound is lucid, and its flexibility and vocal blend are superb. […] An interesting new disc, of both musical and historical interest.
(Risto Nordell, Kirkko & kaupunki 28/11/01)
One of the most exciting new discs is the hymn-oratorio or choral drama Salvat by Jaakko Mäntyjärvi to hymns from the 300-year-old Hymnal. […] The choral drama is a powerful and impressive experience. The Tapiola Chamber Choir, with soloists, sings in more convincing and more adult tone than ever before. One wishes a long life for Mäntyjärvi’s fine achievement.
(Veijo Murtomäki, Helsingin Sanomat 02/12/01)
The Old Hymnal and actual historical events provide the framework for the effective work composed by Jaakko Mäntyjärvi. […] The excellently recorded Tapiola Chamber Choir is a skilled ensemble with a broad palette of sound. Music ***** Sound *****
(Heikki Valsta, HIFI 12/2001)
A disc that will surely not be exhausted even through several listenings. I consider it one of the most interesting Finnish discs of the entire year, not only as a recording of hymns but as a recording of concert music of any kind.
(Risto Rasilainen, Kristityn Vastuu 19/12/01)
Mäntyjärvi makes the music swing. Salvat 1701 is a captivating hymn oratorio whose virtuoso performance is a delight to follow.
(Antti Häyrynen, Rondo 1/2002)
Mäntyjärvi demonstrates a relaxed and innovative kind of eclectism; […] the end result sounds very cool, considering that the material consists of hymns. […] the authentic archaic language of the spoken texts, not to speak of the sung sections, were a fascinating and challenging feast for the ears.
(Riitta Pietilä, Classica 12/2001)