Cyrillus Kreek: The Suspended Harp of Babel

Cyrillus Kreek may not be a household name to most, but in his homeland the Estonian composer is a national hero. Kreek, who was composing before and after Estonia’s declaration of independence from Russia in 1918, draws heavily on his country’s folk heritage, arranging it into sumptuous choral works. In this beautiful collection, psalm settings sit alongside folk hymn arrangements—Kreek adopts the rich choral style of the Russian Orthodox tradition and adds in deliciously piquant harmonies. Introductions and interludes played on Estonian bowed nyckelharpa and plucked kannel add a timelessness to this magical album, which choral ensemble Vox Clamantis sing with sensitivity, passion, and a perfect blend.