Finland: Choral Works

The latest instalment in Vokalensemble Stuttgart's series dedicated to choral works from different countries. The Vokalensemble Stuttgart is among the world's best choirs and is especially noted for its performances of 20th-century music. Marcus Creed ranks as one of the best choir conductors worldwide. Attractive programme with works by both famous and lesser-known Finnish composers. A particular highlight is Sibelius' Finlandia in a version for choir.

If there's a country famous for its reservoir of extraordinary musicians, and its significant composers in particular, then it's Finland, which all the more astonishing when you consider the size of its population: Finland has 5.5 million inhabitants, Germany 82 million.

The country's distinguished tradition of music-making is fundamental to this reputation for artistic excellence.

Finland can be rightly called a "country of singers". Even when it comes to contemporary compositions, traditional music always plays an essential role in the pieces, contributing to their accessibility.

This collection of Finish choral music includes works by renowned composers of the last century: Jean Sibelius, Einojuhani Rautavaara and Kaija Saariaho; plus Jukka Linkola's jazz reminiscences with their refined humour, and the sensuous scores of Riikka Talvitie.

This CD provides a definitive and entertaining cross-section of the most important Finish choral music. It also coincides with the 100th anniversary, in 2017, of Finland's' independence.