Various Composers - Nordic Sounds (Bavarian Radio Chorus)

Information

1. Jaakko Mäntyjärvi - Kosijat: Intro
2. Jaakko Mäntyjärvi - Kosijat: Aurinko (Die Sonne)
3. Jaakko Mäntyjärvi - Kosijat: Kuu (Der Mond)
4. Jaakko Mäntyjärvi - Kosijat: Pohjantähti (Der Nordstern)
5. Bo Holten - Regn og Rusk og Rosenbusk
6. Jan Sandström - Biegga luohte (Joik an den Bergwind)
7. Jaakko Mäntyjärvi - Pseudo-Yoik

Bavarian Radio Chorus

Peter Dijkstra, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: BR-Klassik

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This album explores mythological and spiritual themes through choral works by Bo Holten, Jaakko Mäntyjärvi, and Jan Sandström. Centered on the concept of joik—the traditional vocal expression of the Sami people—the program journeys through evocative and symbolic sound worlds. Holten’s Regn og Rusk og Rosenbusk for solo voices and mixed choir reflects on the fleeting nature of earthly life. Sandström’s contribution is more turbulent, drawing inspiration from the wind and the ancient Sami joik tradition. Mäntyjärvi offers two contrasting perspectives: Pseudo-Yoik, an ironic reflection on the tradition, and a work inspired by Finnish Kalevala poetry, where the figure of a young girl symbolizes the Finnish nation.

Founded in 1946, the Bavarian Radio Chorus is internationally renowned for its homogeneous sound and stylistic versatility, encompassing repertoire from medieval motets to contemporary works, as well as oratorio and opera. The ensemble has received multiple ICMA and Diapason d’or awards and collaborates regularly with leading conductors, including Sir Simon Rattle, Herbert Blomstedt, Andris Nelsons, Riccardo Muti, and Christian Thielemann. Since 1998, the choir has presented its own concert series in Munich, and Peter Dijkstra has served as Artistic Director since 2022. A frequent guest at major European festivals, the BR Chorus also partners with prominent orchestras such as the Berlin and Vienna Philharmonics.

High Resolution 24-bit / 48 kHz