Track Listings (24) - Disc #1| All Artists: Einojuhani Rautavaara, Timo Nuoranne Title: Rautavaara: Sacred Works for Mixed Chorus Members Wishing: 0 Total Copies: 0 Label: Ondine Release Date: 1/11/2000 Genre: Classical Styles: Opera & Classical Vocal, Forms & Genres, Concertos, Sacred & Religious Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPC: 761195093528 |
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Search - Einojuhani Rautavaara, Timo Nuoranne :: Rautavaara: Sacred Works for Mixed Chorus
 | Einojuhani Rautavaara, Timo Nuoranne Rautavaara: Sacred Works for Mixed Chorus Genre: Classical
Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara may be the most exciting composer working today. His works are consistently good, rich in the folk traditions of his homeland, and, most important, challenging in concept but easy to ... more » |
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Amazon.com Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara may be the most exciting composer working today. His works are consistently good, rich in the folk traditions of his homeland, and, most important, challenging in concept but easy to appreciate. And that about sums up Sacred Works for Mixed Chorus, a collection of Rautavaara's masses, psalms, and hymns sung to perfection by the Finnish Radio Chamber Choir. Spanning 40 years (1953-1995) of his long career, Rautavaara's sacred music is less defined by any one religion than the entire concept--Catholic and Greek Orthodox texts sit side by side--and the composer never succumbs to predictability. Highlights abound: On "Canticum Mariae Virginis" and "Magnificat," bass and soprano voices exchange dialogue over the choir's mystical sonic backdrop; Christmas hymn "Marjatan jouluvirsi" (from the composer's choral opera Marjatta matala neiti) is simple and sweet; and "Credo" is a set of three variations on one motif--based on the composer's belief that "only difficult things are worth doing." In short, there's something here for everyone, and everyone should hear Rautavaara. --Jason Verlinde Similarly Requested CDs
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CD ReviewsA rich and rewarding CD Mark Swinton | 01/29/2000 (5 out of 5 stars) "I first discovered the works of this remarkable Finnish composer through his orchestral release "On the Last Frontier" last year. In this, the first disc to showcase his small-scale choral writing, I have discovered an instant classic. As explained in the booklet notes (written by the composer) these short pieces cover a forty-year time period, during which Rautavaara has explored his personal faith (he is Finnish Orthodox) through sacred writing for unaccompanied choir. The result is a striking and impressive programme with a wide range of expression and depth. As a composer, Rautavaara's greatest strength seems to be the skill with which he writes for any instrument, and in writing for choir he produces an amazing sound-world. At some moments, I did feel that I was hearing the influence of more familiar "New Mystic" composers (in particular Gorecki)- an example being the breathtaking opening to the second track, an extended piece in praise of the Mother of God. Nonetheless, at the core, Rautavaara is a truly individual twentieth century composer, and other works such as the first track- "Credo"- and the multi-faceted "Magnificat" halfway through reflect his distinctive voice.I think this is a very addictive programme- not too long, but brimming with variety and placing the simple next to the complex. With regard to performance, the Finnish Radio Choir is immaculate- they give apt voice to each work and will have you hanging on every single note. To cap it all, the sound quality is without blemish.I haven't found a choral CD this gripping in ages. I hope you will agree with me that it is one of the finest contemporary recordings ever made." Legend Erstwhile X. Mnemoi | Hotzeplotz | 02/21/2000 (5 out of 5 stars) "On WOSU-FM this morning I heard "Legend" (until it was over I had no idea what I was listening to) and was enthalled enough to order the CD. I knew the music was contemporary yet it gave the impression of something ancient and austere. Richly colored choral blend yet not dark or heavy. Wandering and open yet not formless--at times almost sounded like a fugue. Not programmatic music, not a tone poem, yet visually suggestive of a winter landscape of ice and water reflecting unusual colors never seen before." Ethereal recording from a doomed choir Charles Kamm | 10/15/2004 (5 out of 5 stars) "I discovered Rautavaara's music a few years ago, and remain hopelessly enamoured of his choral music in particular. The works on this disc are no exception. The Magnificat and Canticum Mariae Virgines are especially compelling. And the performances by the Finnish Radio Chamber Choir are extremely fine.
Lovers of contemporary Finnish music might want to know that on 14 October 2004, the Finnish Broadcasting Company announced they will abolish the Radio Chamber Choir after the 2004-2005 season. The Chamber Choir was founded in 1961 and has premiered nearly 100 works." |
