Finnish vocalist Tarja Turunen is best known to metalheads and rock fans as the original lead singer for the symphonic metal band Nightwish. What you may not know is that Tarja is also a classically trained soprano who studied Church Music at Sibelius Academy in Finland and German Lied at the Music University of Karlsruhe, Germany. She has recently released her first classical solo debut album “Ave Maria En Plein Air.”
The “Ave Maria” is a traditional prayer asking for intercession by the Virgin Mary and has been set to music in over 4,000 songs. Tarja has selected versions of “Ave Maria” by different composers as well as an original composition of her own for this new record. The album was recorded in Lakeuden Risti Church, a Finnish architectural marvel with oustanding acoustics that allow Tarja’s voice to absolutely soar. The depth of sound is amazing with the organ, cello, and harp perfectly blending in. With a range of 3 octaves, Tarja’s voice is passionate and intense as she tackles classic versions of the prayer by Camille Saint-Saens and Paolo Tosti. My personal favorite version of “Ave Maria” is the J.S. Bach/Gounod which is hauntingly beautiful and Tarja’s own composition which will give listeners the chills.
Heavy metal and classical music have always gone hand in hand and nobody has blended the two better over the years than Tarja Turunen. With “Ave Maria En Plein Air,” Tarja takes her remarkable talents to the classical stage and has given us an album of sheer majesty. Fans of Turunen and classical music will, no doubt, want to add this gem to their collection.
