The Sofia Vocal Ensemble invites you to step into paradise, courtesy of ten of the most beautiful choral works written by composers of our time. For nearly 25 years, Bengt OllÃ©n has fashioned his chamber choir Sofia Vocal Ensemble into one of the finest and most distinctive ensembles of it's kind in Sweden and the world. Here, the choir presents a selection of it's favourite works of the last half century - music that has inspired and shaped it's sound. We hear works by Swedish, Estonian, Russian, Scottish and Welsh composers, separated by contrasting traditions but united by striking beauty. These masterpieces include Alfred Schnittke's hopeful Three Sacred Hymns, James MacMillan's keening Miserere, Arvo PÃ¤rt's meditative Nunc Dimittis, Karin Rehnqvist's shimmering Jag lyfter mina hander, Paul Mealor's consoling Beatitudes and Sven David SandstrÃ¶m's radiant In Paradisum. The works are more than personal favourites. They are each, in different ways, highly suited to Sofia Vocal Ensemble's warm, lyrical sound (and in some instances tailored to it) - a meeting of Swedish choral discipline with OllÃ©n's longstanding work to widen the group's dynamic and expressive range. The sound is embracing and alluring, rooted in finesse of blend and perfection of diction.

Tracklist:

In Paradisum
Sanctus (London)
Cantate Domino
Anim Zemriot
Miserere
3 Sacred Hymns: No. 1, -
3 Sacred Hymns: No. 2, -
3 Sacred Hymns: No. 3, -
Which Was The Son Of...
Nunc Dimittis
Jag Lyfter Mina Händer
The Beatitudes

UPC: 7320470236673
Label: Footprint
Release Date: 11.15.19
Format: CD

In Paradisum / Various - In Paradisum (CD)