The video “Noore suve muinasjutt” (“An Early Summer's Fairytale”) by Segakoor Hannijöggi, which won second place in the amateur choir category at the Tormis 95 Singing Contest, highlighted the folk-inspired world and powerful emotional expression characteristic of Veljo Tormis’ music. In an interview following the competition, choir singers Mariin Veskimäe and Ain Trolla spoke about how Tormis’ music helps people connect with their roots, ancestors, and national identity.

Mariin Veskimäe recalled that it was the “Circle Game Songs” from the cycle “Ingrian Evenings” that affected her most deeply when she joined the choir. According to her, the impact of these songs is so powerful that sometimes during the performance she finds herself simply listening to the altos.

“When I listen to these songs, I always feel as if I can see old Seto women in my mind, working and singing in the fields with their large traditional brooches,” described Mariin Veskimäe. “This music creates such a strong connection to roots and ancestors — as if you could feel those roots in your very toes.”

The singers agreed that this is where the unique power of folk music lies. These songs do not merely tell a story; they create vivid images in the listener’s mind. According to Ain Trolla, the imagery unfolds before the eyes almost like a film.

“These Ingrian songs and circle game songs carry stories from the past,” Ain Trolla reflected. “Back then, stories were passed on through singing and oral tradition — there were very few people who actually wrote them down.”

The singers also described the songs as a kind of folk fairytale.

“They are like the fairytales of our region,” they said. “Tormis also has more monumental works, such as “Curse Upon Iron” -- all of it is part of our history.”

Although the language and lyrics of older songs are not always fully understandable today, the singers believe their emotional impact remains powerful.

“Even when every word is not understood literally, the stories are still so powerful that the emotion carries through,” one choir member explained. “And afterwards, everyone begins to carry their own story within them.”

The discussion also emphasized that in today’s increasingly globalized world, folk music is becoming more important than ever. As cultures grow more alike, traditional song heritage helps people understand who they are and where they belong.

“A person’s identity is deeply connected to their nationality and where they belong,” the singers reflected. “That sense of belonging is incredibly important.”

According to the singers, centuries-old songs continue to express the same emotions people experience today.

“These songs speak about love, hatred, life, and death,” they said. “Those same messages travel across centuries and reach us today, giving us the feeling that this is who we are.”

Watch the Mixed Choir Hannijöggi "“An Early Summer's Fairytale” video HERE.
Video production by Hansavideo.