The Estonian Cello Presents Unknown Masterworks

I love how one thing can lead to another -- especially if it's not in a straight line. Pianist Sten Lassman recently completed what had to be a labor of love. Over 15 years he recorded the complete piano works of Heino Eller. 

Eller was a major force in Estonian music. He founded the Tartu School of Composition. Eller's students included Eduard Tubin and Arvo Part. Lassman wanted to bring more of Eller's works to the public. 

This album is the result. It includes eight works for cello and piano by Eller. It also includes compositions by Eller's students: Eduard Oja and Eduard Tubin. 

It also includes works of students of Artur Kapp's Tallinn school. Kapp and and Eller had different ideas what direction Estonian classical music should take. 

The Tallinn school is represented by Herman Kand and Villem Reimann. Both approaches have merit. And in the end, it's the listener who's the winner. All but four of the thirteen compositions are world recording premiers.

And what a gift to the world. Pianist Sten Lassman and cellist Valle-Rasmus Roots are both Estonian. They both understand the underlying aesthetics of this music. And that understanding illuminates their performances. These are beautifully realized interpretations of exceptionally fine music. Music that rewards repeated listening. 

I'm glad Lassmann wasn't done with Estonian music after his Eller cycle. A great collection of music you don't have to be Estonian to appreciate and enjoy. 

The Estonian Cello
Valle-Rasmus Roots, cello; Sten Lassmann, piano
Toccata Next TONC 0033