Forgotten Peoples

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Estonian composer Veljo Tormis has done something special with Forgotten Peoples, forging a unique and original modern classical composition that looks to the ancient song heritage of nearly lost Baltic-region cultures. For 20 years, Tormis explored the cultural heritage of the Votians, Livonians, and Izhorians, absorbing as much source material from these displaced and fragmented groups as possible in a race against time. The results are astounding. The six song cycles bear a striking resemblance to the work of fellow Estonian composer Arvo Part in their minimalist structure, but the songs themselves are intrinsically more complex and weird. You'll hear animal sounds, polyphony, and chant in Tormis's work, discovering new elements with each listen. The Estonian Chamber Choir is in perfect form on these complex works, making them sound easy and, of course, folksy (which they are). Highly recommended. --Jason Verlinde

Tracks:

Tuvans - Tuvans
Ainu - Ainu
Ainu - Ainu
Garifuna - Garifuna
Quechuan - Quechuan
Saami - Saami
Saami - Saami
Bunun - Bunun
Kanak - Kanak
Australian Aborgines - Australian Aborgines
Pashtun - Pashtun
Newar - Newar
Inuit - Inuit
Inuit - Inuit
Maya - Maya
Azerbaijani - Azerbaijani
Maori - Maori
Rashaida - Rashaida
Tibetans - Tibetans
Ladakhis - Ladakhis

Tracks:

Solomon Islanders - Solomon Islanders
Solomon Islanders - Solomon Islanders
Ba-Benjelle Pygmies - Ba-Banjelle Pygmies
Vighurs - Vighurs
Kayapo - Kayapo
Tolai - Tolai
Aga - Aga
Turkmen - Turkmen
Batak - Batak
Wodaabe - Wodaabe
Native Americans - Native Americans
Native Americans - Native Americans
Native Americans - Native Americans
Wagogo - Wagogo

Customer Reviews:

wonderful set.......2005-09-09

The book is beautiful, with lots of color photography. The tracks are great, you can tell that there were some ethnomusicologists involved. Alltogether, a great buy.

Introduction to Various Styles.......2000-02-20

Excellent samples of various groups and locations all over the world. The range is from Tuvan throat singers, Inuit songs, the Australian Aborigne digeridoo, three Native American pieces among others, but there is something from every geographical area and musical style. If you are interested in a wide variety of groups or would like to hear samples of various groups, this CD set is usefula as it gives a taste and an introduction to different ethnic group music styles. The accompanying booklet is a very useful resource in learning more about the music, the culture and in some cases, the performers of these pieces.

Voices of Forgotten Worlds: Traditional Music of Indigenous Peoples

Average customer rating:

Voices of Forgotten Worlds: Traditional Music of Indigenous Peoples
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Ellipsis Arts
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000050K45
Release Date: 1996-09-03

Tracks:

Tuva Kozhangar - Tuvans
Sitting Song - Ainu
Ayoro Kotan - Ainu
Busigan - Garifuna
Kantus De Apacheta - Quechuan
Mahte Lemet Elle - Saami
Migal Elle Garen - Saami
Bisitaita - Bunun
Danse De Toka Nod - Kanak
Dalubun - Australian Aborigines
Pashtu Ghazal - Pashtun
Marsi - Malasri - Newar
Imina Imina - Inuit
Navssapaluk Sadorana - Inuit
Son Sventa N'Ahual San Lorenzo - Maya
Koroghlu - Azerbaijani
He Toa Takitini - Ka Tohia Atu Koe - Ki Okoiki - Maori
Rashaida Dance - Rashaida
Gyuto Tantra - Tibetans
Ghungsgot Thonpo - Ladakhis

Tracks:

Mbumbusa - Solomon Islanders
Vinango - Solomon Islanders
Ejengi - Ba - Benjelle Pygmies
Nazirkhom - Vighurs
No' Ok-'Amor - Kayapo
Akuka - Tolai
Gending Sekar Gadung - Aga
N.A. - Turkmen
Batara Guru - Batak
Lelore - Wodaabe
Stick Game Song - Native Americans
Navajo Squaw Dance - Native Americans
Squaw Dance Song - Native Americans
Sote Tulifurahia Kama Siku Ya Arusi - Wagogo

Average customer rating:

Real musicians, real instruments - REAL BEAUTY!
Fascinating and fun!

Voices of Forgotten Worlds: Traditional Music of Indigenous Peoples
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Ellipsis Arts
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000059T0
Release Date: 1993-11-12

Tracks:

Tuva Kazhangnar-Throat-Singing (IUna) - Tuvans
Sitting Song-Ainu Song (Japan) - Ainu
Ayoro Kotan-Ainu Song (Japan) - Ainu
Busigan-Parranda Dance (Belize) - Garifuna
Kantus De Apacheta-Fiesta Music (Bolivia) - Quechvan
Mahte Lemet Elle-Saami Joikh (Norway) - Saami
Migal Elle Garen-Saami Joikh (Norway) - Saami
Bisitaita-Song Of Consolation (Taiwan) - Bunun
Danse De Toka Nod-Dance (New Caledonia) - Kanak
Dalubun-Love Song With Didjeridoo (Australia) - Australian Aborigines
Pashtu Ghazal-Love Poem (Afghanistan) - Pashtun
Marsi Malasri-Celebration Music (Nepal) - Newar
Imina Imina-Inuit Legend (Greenland) - Inuit
Navssapaluk Sadorana-Inuit Drum-Song (Mexico) - Inuit
Son Sventa N'ahual San Lorenzo-Fiesta Processional (Mexico) - Maya
Koroghlu-Ashiq Song (Azerbaijan) - Azerbaijani
He Toa Takitini/Ka Tohia Atu Koe/Ki Okoiki-Action Songs And Wardance (New Zealand) - Maori
Rashaida Dance (Eritrea) - Rashaida
Gyutntra-Harmonic Monk Chanting (Tibet) - Tibetans
Ghungigot Thonpo-Traditional Song (Ladakh) - Ladakhis

Tracks:

Mbumbusa-Panpipe Ensemble (Guadalcanal) - Solomon Islanders
Vinango-Chorus (Savo) - Solomon Islanders
Elengi Ceremony (Excerpt)-Pygmy Song (Central Africa) - Ba-Benjelle Pygmies
Nazirkhom-Folk Song (China) - Uighurs
No'ok-'Amor-Corn Ceremony (Brazil) - Kayapo
Akuka-Tubuan Festival Song (Papua New Guinea) - Tolai
Gending Sekar Gabund-Gamlean Salunding (Bali) - Aga
Untitled-Turkmen Folk Song (Iran) - Turkmen
Batara Guru-Toba Ceremony (N. Sumatra) - Batak
Lelore-Geerewol Dance (Niger) - Wodaabe
Spokane 'Stick Game Song' (US) - Native Americans
Navajo Squaw Dance (US) - Native Americans
Northern Cree 'Squaw Dance Song' (Canada) - Native Americans
Sote Tulifurahia Kama Siku Ya Arusi-Independance Song (Tanzania) - Wagogo

Amazon.com

In the introduction to Larry Blumenfeld's book Voices of Forgotten Worlds: Traditional Music of Indigenous People, David Lewiston makes a distinction between "world beat music" and "world music." He defines the former as "a musical synthesis" of "elements and instruments from very different cultures," and he defines the latter as "unique musical expressions," each from a "distinct culture." The book and the two CDs of illustrative field recordings that come with it are devoted to the latter approach. Twenty-eight different cultures are represented, ranging from the Tuvans of Siberia to the Kayopo of Brazil, from the Wodaabe of Niger to the Navajo of Arizona. Each society is represented by one or two musical selections on the CDs and a chapter in the book which puts the music in a geographic, historical and social context. --Geoffrey Himes

Customer Reviews:

Real musicians, real instruments - REAL BEAUTY!.......2002-05-12

If you're into REAL world music (as opposed to synthesized electronica), this is a great find. Voices of Forgotten Worlds offers a peek into other worldviews and cultures in danger of extinction - thanks to the all-powerful globalizing influences of television, [corporations]. Grab it while you can; you won't be dissappointed!

Fascinating and fun!.......1999-02-17

The book that accompanies the CD is superbly produced with high quality color pictures, notes about the artists, descriptions of the culture, and remarks about the recording process for each track. As a one-purchase introduction to the music of indigenous peoples, it can't be beat. But be careful--after reading about and listening to this music, you may find yourself wanting to purchase lots more music you only get to sample here.

Average customer rating:

Yes, you should get this one
Haunting...

Veljo Tormis: Forgotten Peoples

Manufacturer: Ecm Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

ECM Classical | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

ECM Jazz & World | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Veljo Tormis: Litany to Thunder
Baltic Voices 2
Baltic Voices 1 / Kreek Sandstrom / Rautavaara / Part / Vasks
Baltic Voices 3
Rautavaara: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 5; Cantus Articus

ASIN: B0000266WZ
Release Date: 2000-02-01

Tracks:

Forgotten Peoples: Livonian Heritage: Waking The Birds
Forgotten Peoples: Livonian Heritage: Day Of A Herdsboy
Forgotten Peoples: Livonian Heritage: Shrove Tuesday
Forgotten Peoples: Livonian Heritage: Wee Winky Mouse
Forgotten Peoples: Livonian Heritage: Sang The Father, Sang His Son
Forgotten Peoples: Votic Wedding Songs: The Ritual Whisking Of The Bridge
Forgotten Peoples: Votic Wedding Songs: The Arrival Of Wedding Guests
Forgotten Peoples: Votic Wedding Songs: Mockery Singing
Forgotten Peoples: Votic Wedding Songs: Distributing The Dowry Chest
Forgotten Peoples: Votic Wedding Songs: Instructing The Newly-Weds
Forgotten Peoples: Votic Wedding Songs: Praising The Cook
Forgotten Peoples: Votic Wedding Songs: When I, Chick, Was Growing Up
Forgotten Peoples: Izhorian Epic: Creation Of The World
Forgotten Peoples: Izhorian Epic: Tha Call Of Three Cuckoos
Forgotten Peoples: Izhorian Epic: The Wedding Song
Forgotten Peoples: Izhorian Epic: A Son Or A Daughter
Forgotten Peoples: Izhorian Epic: Recruitment
Forgotten Peoples: Izhorian Epic: Oh, I'm A Luckless Lad
Forgotten Peoples: Izhorian Epic: My Mouth Was Singing, My Heart Was Worrying
Forgotten Peoples: Izhorian Epic: A Sword From The Sea
Forgotten Peoples: Izhorian Epic: Incantation Of Snakes
Forgotten Peoples: Izhorian Epic: Undarmoi And Kalervoi

Tracks:

Forgotten Peoples: Ingrian Evenings : Rontuska I (A Dance Song)
Forgotten Peoples: Ingrian Evenings : Ruska II
Forgotten Peoples: Ingrian Evenings : Rontuska III
Forgotten Peoples: Ingrian Evenings : Chastushka I
Forgotten Peoples: Ingrian Evenings : Chastushka II
Forgotten Peoples: Ingrian Evenings : A Roundelay
Forgotten Peoples: Ingrian Evenings : Rontuska IV
Forgotten Peoples: Ingrian Evenings : Rontuska V
Forgotten Peoples: Ingrian Evenings : Ending And Going Home
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : My Sister, My Little Cricket
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : Urging Her Into The Boat
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : Heavenly Suitors
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : I Went To Kikoila
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : Cuckoo And Cuckoo
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : I Went To Fetch Some Water
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : Pussy-Cat, Pussy-Cat
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : I'd Like To Sing You A Song
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : Where Did You Sleep Last Night?
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : What Are They Doing at Your Place?
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : The Ox Climbed A Fir Tree
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : Forced To Get Married
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : A Cradle Song
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : The Only Son
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : Toot-Toot, Herdsboy
Forgotten Peoples: Karelian Destiny : A Weeping Maiden
Forgotten Peoples: Karelian Destiny : Suitors From The Sea
Forgotten Peoples: Karelian Destiny : A Thrall In Viru
Forgotten Peoples: Karelian Destiny : The Oak Cutter
Forgotten Peoples: Karelian Destiny : A Lullaby

Amazon.com

Estonian composer Veljo Tormis has done something special with Forgotten Peoples, forging a unique and original modern classical composition that looks to the ancient song heritage of nearly lost Baltic-region cultures. For 20 years, Tormis explored the cultural heritage of the Votians, Livonians, and Izhorians, absorbing as much source material from these displaced and fragmented groups as possible in a race against time. The results are astounding. The six song cycles bear a striking resemblance to the work of fellow Estonian composer Arvo Part in their minimalist structure, but the songs themselves are intrinsically more complex and weird. You'll hear animal sounds, polyphony, and chant in Tormis's work, discovering new elements with each listen. The Estonian Chamber Choir is in perfect form on these complex works, making them sound easy and, of course, folksy (which they are). Highly recommended. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Yes, you should get this one.......2006-02-06

I haven't much to add to the previous review except to say that I agree with it. This is a fine choral collection, and one to play for that classical curmudgeon you know who insists good music isn't being written anymore. I've had this recording for over 4 years and it's one I keep taking off the shelf and relisten to.

Haunting..........2000-06-29

Few composers can so masterfully combine folk tradition with modern musical trends. Tormis combines the rythmic sounds of finno-ugric folk songs with the power of a choir to create a sound that is haunting and hypnotising. On the other hand, Tormis also provides these small disappearing nations with an invaluable service, by making sure their languages and their songs will not be forgotten. Their songs also include information on how these people lived, their life cycle, their rituals and traditions, etc. All of this information could have been lost had it not been for Tormis's outstanding efforts. I had the chance in the last few years to interact with some of the very few Livonians remaining in this world (one of the groups featured in this collection), and it was a great surprise for me to see that the songs included on Tormis's "Forgotten People" are still sung by them, and it was their surprise to see that I already knew some of those melodies. If you are looking for pure "ethnic" music, "Forgotten People" might not be up your alley, since these songs are stylized and sung by a choir. However the resulting sound is unique, and is a proud tribute to these forgotten people.

Average customer rating:

Gorgeous!

Forgotten Peoples

Manufacturer: Ecm Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

ECM Classical | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

ECM Jazz & World | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000031WT
Release Date: 1994-10-25

Tracks:

Forgotten Peoples: Livonian Heritage: Waking The Birds
Forgotten Peoples: Livonian Heritage: Day Of A Herdsboy
Forgotten Peoples: Livonian Heritage: Shrove Tuesday
Forgotten Peoples: Livonian Heritage: Wee Winky Mouse
Forgotten Peoples: Livonian Heritage: Sang The Father, Sang His Son
Forgotten Peoples: Votic Wedding Songs: The Ritual Whisking Of The Bridge
Forgotten Peoples: Votic Wedding Songs: The Arrival Of Wedding Guests
Forgotten Peoples: Votic Wedding Songs: Mockery Singing
Forgotten Peoples: Votic Wedding Songs: Distributing The Dowry Chest
Forgotten Peoples: Votic Wedding Songs: Instructing The Newly-Weds
Forgotten Peoples: Votic Wedding Songs: Praising The Cook
Forgotten Peoples: Votic Wedding Songs: When I, Chick, Was Growing Up
Forgotten Peoples: Izhorian Epic: Creation Of The World
Forgotten Peoples: Izhorian Epic: Tha Call Of Three Cuckoos
Forgotten Peoples: Izhorian Epic: The Wedding Song
Forgotten Peoples: Izhorian Epic: A Son Or A Daughter
Forgotten Peoples: Izhorian Epic: Recruitment
Forgotten Peoples: Izhorian Epic: Oh, I'm A Luckless Lad
Forgotten Peoples: Izhorian Epic: My Mouth Was Singing, My Heart Was Worrying
Forgotten Peoples: Izhorian Epic: A Sword From The Sea
Forgotten Peoples: Izhorian Epic: Incantation Of Snakes
Forgotten Peoples: Izhorian Epic: Undarmoi And Kalervoi

Tracks:

Forgotten Peoples: Ingrian Evenings : Rontuska I (A Dance Song)
Forgotten Peoples: Ingrian Evenings : Ruska II
Forgotten Peoples: Ingrian Evenings : Rontuska III
Forgotten Peoples: Ingrian Evenings : Chastushka I
Forgotten Peoples: Ingrian Evenings : Chastushka II
Forgotten Peoples: Ingrian Evenings : A Roundelay
Forgotten Peoples: Ingrian Evenings : Rontuska IV
Forgotten Peoples: Ingrian Evenings : Rontuska V
Forgotten Peoples: Ingrian Evenings : Ending And Going Home
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : My Sister, My Little Cricket
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : Urging Her Into The Boat
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : Heavenly Suitors
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : I Went To Kikoila
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : Cuckoo And Cuckoo
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : I Went To Fetch Some Water
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : Pussy-Cat, Pussy-Cat
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : I'd Like To Sing You A Song
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : Where Did You Sleep Last Night?
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : What Are They Doing at Your Place?
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : The Ox Climbed A Fir Tree
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : Forced To Get Married
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : A Cradle Song
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : The Only Son
Forgotten Peoples: Vepsian Paths : Toot-Toot, Herdsboy
Forgotten Peoples: Karelian Destiny : A Weeping Maiden
Forgotten Peoples: Karelian Destiny : Suitors From The Sea
Forgotten Peoples: Karelian Destiny : A Thrall In Viru
Forgotten Peoples: Karelian Destiny : The Oak Cutter
Forgotten Peoples: Karelian Destiny : A Lullaby

Customer Reviews:

Gorgeous!.......1999-10-24

This collection of song cycles is simply beautiful. Collected from Finno-Ugric peoples around the Baltic sea area, near Tormis' homeland of Estonia, the songs range from complex arrangements to snippets. Most of the peoples represented on the disk (the Livonians, Karelians, Ingrians, etc.) are dying out, and their languages are almost dead as well. Tormis' beautiful choral arrangements awaken the need to preserve these cultures, and are especially meaningful to anyone with Finno-Ugric heritage. Get the 2-CD set if possible -- it's definitely worth it.

Average customer rating:

Forgotten Peoples
Veljo Tormis
Manufacturer: Universal Music & VI
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000E50U
Release Date: 1992-05-12

Music Review: