Kaija Saariaho; Helena Tulve - I Am a River (Nils Schweckendiek)

Information

Composer: Kaija Saariaho; Helena Tulve

1. Tulve - I Am a River
2. Saariaho - Lumen valosta
3. Saariaho - Nej och inte: I. Jag vill inte tala...
4. Saariaho - Nej och inte: II. Och du gick, flög... 
5. Saariaho - Nej och inte: III. Nej, vi fick ej...
6. Saariaho - Suomenkielinen sekakuorokappale
7. Saariaho - Kesäpäivä: No. 1, Hetki. Aamutuima
8. Saariaho - Kesäpäivä: No. 2, Hetki. Työ
9. Saariaho - Kesäpäivä: No. 3, Hetki. Kaipausaika
10. Saariaho - Kesäpäivä: No. 4, Hetki. Mystinen Aika
11. Saariaho - Kesäpäivä: No. 5, Hetki. Yön sarastus
12. Tulve - Nächtliche Gesänge: I. Nachts, wenn des Pendel der Liebe schwingt...
13. Tulve - Nächtliche Gesänge: II. Zärtliche Nacht

Helsinki Chamber Choir

Nils Schweckendiek, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: BIS

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This recording brings together choral works by Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho and Estonian composer Helena Tulve, both known for highly individual approaches that emphasize instrumental and vocal color as central expressive elements. Saariaho’s vocal writing evolves from early experimental pieces into richly textured works shaped by extended techniques and a focus on the fragmentation of sound and language, while Tulve’s music grows organically from elemental impulses inspired by natural patterns and synchronicity. The program includes I Am a River, inspired by texts from the Persian poet Rūmī, and Nächtliche Gesänge, based on writings by exiled German-speaking Jewish poets, both exploring the relationship between text, timbre, and resonance. Performed by the Helsinki Chamber Choir under conductor Nils Schweckendiek, the recording is noted for its expressive precision and atmospheric depth in interpreting contemporary choral music.

Nils Schweckendiek is an internationally recognized conductor specializing in contemporary choral and orchestral music. He studied at Clare College, Cambridge, and later trained in Freiburg and Helsinki, developing a career that spans major European opera houses and festivals, including the Leipzig Opera and the Savonlinna Opera Festival. Since his 2006 debut at the Finnish National Opera conducting Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier, he has become a leading advocate for new music, premiering over 100 works across choral, orchestral, and music-theatre genres. Schweckendiek is widely acclaimed for his recordings, which have earned major awards including a Grammy, ICMA Award, and multiple critics’ prizes. He has served as Artistic Director of the Helsinki Chamber Choir since 2007 and holds professorships and leadership roles at the Sibelius Academy and the Helsinki Music Centre Chorus. His career is marked by a strong commitment to contemporary repertoire and collaboration with leading choirs and ensembles across Europe.