This disc of psalm settings and other works by Felix Mendelssohn and Cyrillus Kreek provides proof that the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir (EPCC), now with its third conductor, Daniel Reuss, can still be counted among the world.’s finest.

Cyrillus Kreek (1889–1962) is one of Estonia’s most important composers. The simplicity of Kreek’s psalm settings belie their profound beauty.

The inclusion of five of Kreek’s vaimulikud rahvaviisid [Sacred Folktunes] is a bonus on this disc, and greatly increases its value to U. S. choral conductors.

This current disc alternates between sets of Mendelssohn and Kreek psalm settings, making it easy to hear the distinction between Mendelssohn’s Romantic lyricism and Kreek’s mystical depth. This by itself commends the recording, but the presence of Kreek’s sacred folksong arrangements makes this a disc a must have for U. S. choral conductors. © 2012 Choral Journal

…a highly satisfying, generously filled a cappella programme of mostly little-heard music. Daniel Reuss draws impassioned and mellifluous performances from his Grammy Award-winning choir of 24 voices. Its beautifully blended, creamy tone (especially in the altos) and clarion-like tenors are underpinned by warm basses.

Of the Mendelssohn selection, the Three Psalms of 1843-44 stand out especially, being notable for their integrity and deep spirituality. Every colour of the word-painting is carefully nuanced here. The ladies float ethereally in ‘Lift thine eyes’ (from Elijah) and the sonorous gravitas of the male-chorus ‘Wie selig sind die Toten’ is especially effective.

All of Cyrillus Kreek[’s] music is carefully crafted; Psalms 104 and 137 are by far the most striking. The sacred folksongs are charming and haunting in equal measure. A disc to savour. © 2012 Gramophone Read complete review on Gramophone

Mendelssohn’s seven psalms are well suited to the sweet and sunny tone of the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir…their excellent blend and intonation, combined with their ability to make one believe what they are singing, give more satisfaction than one finds in either Roger Norrington’s glib performances (Decca) or Helmuth Riling’s academic readings by his Stuttgart Bach Collegium (Hänssler). With the Estonian choir we find something genuine, without self-conscious scholarship on one hand, and something rooted in a great tradition with no hint of pop alloys on the other.

The psalm settings of Cyrillus Kreek…unfold with the cool, monumental dignity one associates with Sibelius. The melodic material, very folklike, and often sung in octaves, is quite moving. More moving still are his arrangements of five sacred folk songs. The temperaments of composer, conductor, and chorus seem to be in perfect accord with the architecture of the Haapsalu Dome in which these beautiful anthems are sung. It seems that the Estonian works and all of the performances, gentle, profound, demure, state his case persuasively. © 2012 Fanfare Read complete review