NEWS: Tarja To Release Debut Solo Classical Album Of "Ave Maria" Songs on October 16

August 18, 2015 • Leave a Comment

(New York, N.Y.): This October sees the release of Tarja Turunen’s classical solo debut Ave Maria – En Plein Air. The release is both majestic and breathtaking, born from the vocalist's history and roots.

The album is out October 16 via earMUSIC.

"Ave Maria" is a traditional prayer dedicated to the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, asking for her intercession. It has been set to music in over 4,000 songs, some of which kept the original prayer as words, while others used a different text than the traditional one.

Ave Maria – En Plein Air features 12 beautiful "Ave Maria" songs by a wide variety of composers.

Tarja Turunen breathes life into some of the most loved and rare songs of Paolo Tosti, David Popper, Astor Piazzolla, and of course Johann Sebastian Bach/Charles Gounod, among others. The closing track of the album presents a magnificent composition by Tarja.

The release is, in a word, epic.

The album was recorded in the stunning Lakeuden Risti Church in Seinäjoki, Finland, a snow-white landmark, both national heritage and significant example of modern Finnish architecture designed by famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto.

The Lutheran church offers the perfect soundscape for Tarja Turunen’s crisp clear voice. Combined with a piercing organ, cello and harp, the music blends into a rich sound universe.

The first video teaser trailer can be watched here.

Classical music was Tarja Turunen's first love. The classically trained soprano studied Church Music at Sibelius Academy in Finland as well as German Lied at the Music University of Karlsruhe, Germany.

She became one of the most important female voices of metal: first as part of multi-million selling and groundbreaking symphonic metal band Nightwish and later with her successful solo career, carrying her own name and releasing three studio albums so Tarja Turunen has always crossed genres and musical cultures, showing a wide versatility with projects such as "Tarja Turunen & HARUS" and "Beauty & The Beat"; HARUS being a mix of traditional and modern pieces whereas “Beauty & The Beat” created an interface between classical and rock music, arranged with orchestra and choir.

Track Listing: