Description
Pillorikput Inuit (“Blessed Are the People”) is a lovely recording of the unique musical traditions of the Labrador Inuit, including choral anthems and solos imported by Moravian missionaries 200 years ago, translated into Inuktitut and accompanied by strings and organ. Dr. Tom Gordon writes, “The unique musical traditions of the Labrador Inuit resulted from the creative imaginations of Inuit musicians reshaping European art music ….” The 16 selections on the CD were recorded using performing editions made by Tom Gordon in collaboration with musicians from the Labrador coast, working with the manuscript collections of the Moravian churches in Nain, Makkovik, and Hopedale. A few of the selections will be familiar to those well versed in American Moravian music – Antes’ Loveliest Immanuel and Naumann’s O Tender Vine among them. The performances are gentle and graceful, quite lovely and deeply moving, especially when one reflects upon the hardships experienced by those dedicated missionaries who brought the gospel and this music to Labrador 200 years ago. This CD makes a wonderful addition to our knowledge and appreciation of the breadth and depth of the worldwide Moravian musical heritage.
