Works for Mixed Chorus a Cappe

This is a delightful CD on the Ondine label of the complete works that Sibelius wrote for mixed chorus a cappella. There are 23 songs here sung by the Jubilate Choir conducted by Astrid Riska. The works are sung in Finnish but the enclosed booklet gives the complete texts in English. The authors of the original texts are also given. Some of the songs also feature soloists - Monica Groop (mezzo-soprano) or Juha Kotilainen (baritone). The set begins with one of the versions of Rakastava - originally set for male voice choir but re-arranged for mixed choir and again for string orchestra. Many of the songs last barely a minute, but the tracks overall on the CD take nearly 77 minutes. If you like the sound of the Finnish language you will enjoy this CD, without the distraction of instrumental backings.

This is a definitly authentic performance. All Sibelius's a capella work's here, performed with correct and beautiful interpretation. And, since there is no second version available, this is the only choice of this repertoire. The record is clearly well.

Sunning music.