There is a distinctly female point of view on this record - and no wonder. Aino Loppela has built a repertoire in which the dimensions of Finnish Christmas become thoroughly illuminated. Mysterious silence at the dusk of Christmas Eve, anticipation, presents and many other things fill up a little girl's mind. The protagonist is, however, Maria Matala Neiti, Pyha Herran Piikanen (Mary the Humble Maiden, sacred Lord's Servant), whose experience about the deepest message of Christmas is performed here. The Campanella Female Choir is among the elite of Finnish choirs of female voices and and winners of numerous awards.

Songlist: Piika Pikkarainen, Jouluna Jumala Syntyi, Maria Matala Neiti, Syntyi Poika Polvillehen, Harka Olkia Levitti, Otabat Piti Iloa, De Radice Processerat, Angelus Emittitur, Psallat Scholarum Concio, Maria, Herran Piikanen, Aa, Aa, Jo Lapsi Nukahtaa, Kun Joulu Valkeneepi, Kautta Tyynen, Vienon Yon, Joulun Odotukesessa, Talvi-Iltana, Pimeaa, Lasten Joulu, Joulu Tullut On, Jouluaattona, Joululumi, Joululaulu, Hiljainen Joululaulu, Joulun Kellot, Tule Takkaus Ihmisrintaan, Tuikkikaa, Oi Joulun Tahtoset, Betlehemin Tahti

Club For Five : Uni   

Club for Five, 3 men and 2 women from Helsinki, Finland, was founded in 2001. It consists of musicians with diverse musical backgrounds, Maija, Susanna, Jouni, Tuomas and Tuukka.Their repertoire (both Finnish and English) is mainly self-arranged and/or self-composed pop music containing influences from many musical genres. Their 1st CD, "Eni-ilta" (Premiere) was released in 2004, gained excellent reviews and went Gold in Finland in only a few months. It contained covers of Finnish standards and pop songs with imaginative arrangements. In 2005-2006 they recorded their second album, called "Uni" (A Dream), which is a beautiful, unique collection of 11 all brand new songs. They are all in Finnish, but as with early releases by The Real Group and Rajaton, beautiful, innovative vocal work creates its own language. Listen to songs like "Kun Kaikki muut viela nukkuu," the amazing faux backup band on "Ma tulin sukuun," the poignant, dramatic "Pysahtynyt sunnuntai," the haunting "Kevat uskaltaa" and the surprising, powerful "Ostoskavelylla." Beautiful liner notes, all in Finnish, but the photos also have their own language. This is a very exclusive Club is for five major vocal talents who can sing rings around practically everybody, and have big fun doing it. "Uni" is one of the best contemporary CDs we've heard this year!

Songlist: UNi, Aurinkoon, Ei Se Vaan Ole Niin, Kun Kaikki Muut Viela Nukkuu, Ma Tulin Sukuun, Pysahtynyt Sunnuntai, Kuu Ylla Kaupungin (Moon Over Bourbon Street), ¤Kevat Uskaltaa, Hiutale, Huoleton, Ostoskavelylla

Emo Ensemble is a chamber choir, which consists of young music students and professional singers. The choir was founded at Espoo Music Institute, Finland in the autumn 2000 by its conductor, Pasi Hyokki. Three years later, it won the prize for best performance of a contemporary work at the Harald Andersen international chamber choir competition for 'Two Songs to Poems of Ann Jaderlund' composed by Esa-Pekka Salonen. Since then, the EMO Ensemble has concentrated on modern music and offering composers the services of a top-quality vocal instrument. In 2005, the choir released its first CD featuring works by leading Finnish composers like Esa-Pekka Salonen and Lotta Wennakoski. It received great reviews and was nominated for Choir CD of the Year by the Finnish Choirmasters Association. EMO Ensemble aims to be experimental, varied and innovative.

Songlist: Enkeli, Kuka Nukkuu Tuutussasi, Erlkonig, Vaggvisa, Mina nostan Vedesta, maailma Jonne Mina Tulin, Muistan Minne Paiva Painui, Mika Kannattaa Maailmassa, Ennen Vetta, Merenkavijat, Kyss min Mun, Djupt I Rummet, Jabberwocky, Ilo

Fork : Cover To Cover   

Their band, according to Fork: "Fork does to a cappella what Jimi Hendrix did to guitar music and what Viagra does to a man!" Three actors and a policeman were talking about forming a band in a Helsinki apartment in 1996 and the instruments they could play were not compatible with starting a rock band, but they realized that they could all sing! Since then Fork has made their own arrangements of about 50 rock and pop songs, from Bon Jovi and Michael Jackson to Robbie Williams, U2 and Whitney Houston. In live performances the group enters the stage like international divas, becoming their alter egos Chiq LaDesire, Miles Precious, Winston Chill and Angel d'Ville, shake their booties and sing to amazing pyrotechnics, and then they blow audiences away. Fork released their debut "Cover to Cover" in September of 2005, and it is as good and groundbreaking as we could have imagined. 10 covers, "You give love a bad name," the medley "Can't a loop," "Smooth criminal," "Beautiful day," "You oughta know," "God is a dj," "Livin' la vida loca," "My love is your love," "Kids" and "Politik." You will recognize these covers, while being amazed at what Fork is doing to them, where "Vogue" can segue into "Ice, Ice, Baby" and then "Walk this Way" and it all makes perfect sense. The synthesizer-solid vocal percussion and background vocals create kind of a "wall of a cappella sound" that must be heard to be truly appreciated. Basically what we're saying here is: whether you need to study it, react to it or simply love it, Fork is in a cappella, it has changed and we like it!

Songlist: You Give Love a Bad Name, Can't A Loop, Smooth Criminal, Beautiful Day, You Oughta Know, God is a DJ, Livin' The Vida Loca, My Love Is Your Love, Kids, Politik

Fork : Helsinki   

Two men and two women, 3 actors and a policeman from Finland, first got together in 1996, lacking the instrumental talent to form a rock band, but discovered that they were all powerful singers. Since then they have been doing their own arrangements of rock and pop songs, performing live like rock divas (complete with their own alter egos) and creating an a cappella "wall of sound" with rock solid vocal percussion and background vocals that blows the minds of audiences and reviewers like ourselves alike! There are 13 dynamic cuts here, some re-covers of cuts they performed on "Cover To Cover," their debut album: the rock/pop medley "Can't A Loop," "You Oughta Know," the rhythmic gem "Kids," the manic "Smooth Criminal" and very fine "Beautiful Day." Other favorites are the driving rock anthem "Taiva Lyo Tulta/Over The Hills," "My Sin," the lovely "Circle Round the Sun," the haunting "Try To Forget Me" and the dreamlike "Common State of Mind." We love that Fork has turned themselves into rock stars with names like Chiq LaDesire and Winston Chill, we love that they can blow away a stadium with just their voices, and we love "Helsinki," an unbelievably entertaining collection of their best stuff. Enough said!

Songlist: Intro, Taivas Lyo Tulta/Over the Hills, My Sin, Can't A Loop, You Oughta Know, Circle 'Round the Sun, Kids, Smooth Criminal, Another Day, Beautiful Day, Try to Forget Me, Leave Me Alone, Common State of Mind

Astrid Riska founded Jubilate as a children's choir in 1967; it has since grown to a mixed-voice 35-strong adult choir, performing a repertoire from the sacred to the avant-garde. The group has been particularly interested in performing works by Finnish composers, both at home and internationally, and Jean Sibelius (1865-1957), was one of the best. Included are 24 songs, beginning with "Rakastava, Op. 14," the world premiere recording of "Soitapas, soria likka;" and two school songs from the mid-1920s, "Koulutie" and "Skolsang;" to the beautiful, familiar "Finlandia Hymn," finishing with the lovely "Six Songs from Op. 18." Perfectly performed, wonderfully composed choral music from one of Finland's best! Extensive liner notes with all lyrics translated.

Songlist: Rakastava, Op. 14, Soitapas, soria likka, Ensam i dunkla skogarnas famn, Aamusumussa, Till Therese Hahl, Den 25 Oktober 1902: Till Therese Hahl, Two Songs, Op. 65:, Man fran slatten och havet, Kellosavel Kallion kirkossa, Drommarna, Koulutie, Skolsang, Den hoga himlen, Op. 107, Joululaulu, Juhlamarssi, Tyokansan marssi, Uusmaalaisen laulu, Finlandia Hymn, Six Songs from Op. 18:, Isanmaalle, Saarella palaa, Min rastas raataa, Sydameni laulu, Sortunut aani, Venematka

Jubilate was founded as a children's choir by its conductor Astrid Riska in 1967. Developing rapidly, it is now a chamber choir of some 35 mixed adult voices, with a repertoire ranging from Gregorian chant to the avant-garde. It has always striven to perform Finnish music to both domestic and international audiences. Nils-Eric Fougstedt (1910-61), founded the Finnish Radio Choir in 1940 and conducted the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra. Here are 32 of Fougstedt's works, from "Bjorkarnas Valv" and "Three Songs to texts by Nils Ferlin," to "Two Traditional Songs" and "Silmien laulu." Lovely, soaring music, beautifully sung by one of Finland's finest choirs. Extensive liner notes with translated lyrics.

Songlist: Bjorkanas valv (Text: Kerstin Soderholm), Three Songs to texts by Nils Ferlin, Six Songs to texts by Arvid Morne, Two Songs to texts by Karin Mandelstam, Three Songs to texts by Bertel Gripenberg, Hjartats sommar (Text: Hjalmar Krokfors), Smultronbacken (Text: Karin Hofman), Sommarvisa (Jacob Tenengren), Skyn, blomman och n larka (Text: Hjalmar Gullberg), Three Songs to texts by Jarl Hemmer, Sanctus, Mot loftets strand (Text: Lina Sandell-Berg, I jorden gar dolda adror (Text: Ole Torvalds), Djaknevisa (arr. Nils Ferlin), Two Traditional Songs, Folj oss sang (Text: Joel Rundt), Silmien laulu (Text: Yrjo Kaijarvi)

Songlist: Kor av vindarna, Sonens brud, Blomman, Ballad, Hoskvallen, Taanken, Carminalia, Kotikaipaus, Terve ruhtinarar, Nejden andas, Carmilalia, Kansakoululaisten marssi, Kantat till ord av W. von Konow, Giv mig ej glans, ej guld, ej prakt, Tree Songs for American Schools, Carminalia, Aamusumussa, Giv mig ej glans, ej guld, ej prakt, Soi kunniaksi Luojan, Partiolaisten marssi, The World Song of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, Lauluja sekakoorille vuoden 1897 promotioonikantaatista, Findlandia-hymni

Born in Hamburg 200 years ago, Fredrik Pacius studied with Ludwig Spohr in Kassel, before serving as a violinist in the orchestra of the Royal Opera in Stockholm. When he arrived in Helsinki in 1835 it was in order to take up the post of music lecturer at the city's university. By the time of his death, almost six decades in the service of the musical life of his new country had earned him the epithet the father of Finnish music. He composed the first Finnish opera "Kung Karls jakt" and other works for the stage include The Princess of Cyprus and Loreley, both of which are available on BIS. But what he is mainly remembered for today is Vart land ('Our Land'), the national anthem of Finland, which he composed and conducted the first performance of in 1848. The choir at this occasion was Akademiska Sangforeningen (The Academic Male Voice Choir of Helsinki) which Pacius himself had founded in 1838. Some 160 years later the same choir performs the song here, together with other repertoire written or arranged for it by Pacius. The program is made up of songs in Swedish (including some of the emblematic patriotic songs of the evolving nation, as well as works in a lighter vein), Finnish (mainly arrangements of folk-songs) and German settings by Pacius of poems in his native language by writers such as Friedrich Ruckert. Following the choirs traditions some of the songs are here performed by a more intimate ensemble, i.e. quartet or octet.

Songlist: Varsang, Studensang, Sang For Nordiska Ynglingar, Det Var Da, Philomele, Den Sjuttonariga, Forgat Mig Ej, Till Jonas Peron, Fredmans Epistel N:o 14, Fredmans Epistel N:o 25, Fredmans Epistel N:o 13, Kreivin Sylissa Istunut, Folkvisa, Verinen Polka, Fantasi Over Ett Finskt Tema, Fruhlingsglaube, Ich Bin Nun Einmal So, Gesprache Der Irrlichter, Der Jager Auf Der Kirchweih, Wiegenlied, Die Abendgloke Auf Dem Berge, Lied An Die Schone Mullerin, A La Melancolie, Rheinweinlied, Schenkt Ein!, Trinkled, Bjorneborgarnas Marsch, Suomis Sang, Finlands Flagga, Hymn Till Finland, and more

Renowned for its versatility, Philomela has, ever since it was formed in 1984, adopted an innovative approach to choral expression under its conductor Marjukka Riihimaki. Its many awards have included the Grand Prix in the Chorus Review of Tampere Vocal Music Festival, and in recent years it has regularly been invited to sing at international festivals. Recently Philomela decided to explore the potential for adding new songs to the Finnish stock of Christmas carols without violating the traditional Christmas spirit. It therefore commissioned songs on the Christmas theme from composers it had worked with before and were familiar with Philomela's style. They also included some more traditional Finnish Christmas music as well and this resulting recording is a true a cappella pleasure.

Songlist: The earth is beautiful, Hail to Thee, most blessed, The snowy cottages sleep, A prayer for Christmas night, The Christmas bells, Silence, On Christmas Night, God whispers Christmas, Mary, most lowly of maidens, The sauna seeker, Breathe, my good horse, For God was born, Jesus rocked in a cradle, Cast care aside, Silent night, holy night, Song of Mary

Internationally acclaimed Philomela charms with their release Philomela in Dreams. Included are "Ave Verum Corpus," by Francis Poulenc, "Suite de Lorca, by Einojuhani Rautavaara and "Dreams," by Erik Bergman. Like the title suggests, these pieces are very dreamlike in quality with floating sonorities that seem to melt together. With a variety of rarely heard works, this recordings further enhances the reputation that Finland has earned as a country with a wonderful choral tradition.

Songlist: Ave Verum Corpus, Missa Brevis (Nancy Telfer), Hanget soi (Heikki Sarmanto), "Suite" de Lorca (Einojuhani Rautavaara), Gamelan (R. Murray Schafer), Tapetenblume (Erik Bergman), Dreams (Erik Bergman), Two Nightingales (Witold Lutoslawski), Auf einem Baum ein Kuckuck sass (Alfred Koerppen)

Finland is full of folk traditions and epic poems which are great sources for Finnish music. Philomela performs pieces that draw on their rich literary culture. From the folk poetry of the town of Ilomantsi and the epic poem Kanteletar to the modern poetry of Jukka Itkonen, Viljo Kojo and Unto Kupiainen, composers Anna-Mari Kahara, Liisa Matveinen and others have created striking new music which is infused with the flavor of the Baltic region.

Songlist: Sadelaulu, Kantajani, Lemmennosto, Mieli, Etsija, Samsara, Ikava omia maita, Armahan kulku, Laulu perunoiden kiehuessa, En ma tullut niinkuin ennen, Mykka ero, Minne kauneus katosi, Jo meista ero tulevi, Armaan laheisyys

In our imaginary top drawer of a cappella ensembles who have shown us, again and again, sheer vocal talent, whimsical cutting edge arrangements, effortless harmonies, sublime leads and exquisitely crafted recordings, we search around, past several well-played Real Group CDs, to happily find a handful of albums by Finnish mixed-voice sextet Rajaton. One of the first ones to blow us away, despite its dearth of English lyrics, was "Joulu," the group's hugely successful Christmas album. Well, it's been a long wait, but we hold in our hot little mittens "Jouluyo," Rajaton's second holiday CD, with seven new and seven familiar Christmas songs, in both Finnish and English! Our favorites are of course the English selections, a joyous, surprising "Hark the herald angels sing," a moving, bluenote "The little drummer boy," and Soila Sariola's arrangements of Stephen Hatfield's haunting, magical "Lullay" and Howard Blake's "Walking on Air." But don't miss the songs with Finnish titles like Kurt Noack's "Tonttuparaati," Jussi Chydenius and Einari Vuorela's soaring "Kuu Hohtaa," Leri Leskinen and Timo Liiskinen's "Taivaanvalkea" and many others. "Oi jouluyo" gives Finnish lyrics to the classic "O Holy Night" and "Tuo armon valkokyyhky" is Michael Praetorius' "Lo, How a Rose e'er Blooming." "Tonttuparaati" is an amazing Finnish medley of several Christmas tunes, we picked out "Wooden Soldiers on Parade" and others whose titles escape us for the moment. We'll just say that "Jouluyo" is a magical collection that delights on so many levels-don't miss this one! Generous full-color liner notes have all lyrics and info.

Songlist: Tonttuparaati, Kuninkaat kulkevat, katsokaa!, The little drummer boy, Me kaymme joulun viettohon, Kirje Joulupukille, Lullay, Kuu hohtaa, Taivaanvalkea, Walking in the air, Oi jouluyo, Tuo armon valkokyyhky, Hiljainen jouluyo

We don't quite know why, perhaps it's the good beer, but those Scandinavian countries sure know how to produce wonderful a cappella vocal jazz groups. Rajaton (Finnish for boundless) are a highly talented septet whose members are experienced choral singers with diverse musical backgrounds, most of whom studied singing either at the Sibelius-Academy or at the Pop/Jazz Conservatory in Helsinki. 1999 winners of the Grand Prix at the Tampere Choir Festival they sing jazz versions of Finnish folk songs, poetry and original compositions and are of a world class caliber. We like this recording very much and the arrangements and quality of singing are exceptional. English lyrics included in the liner notes.

Songlist: Laksin Mina Kesayona Kaymaan, Mita Kaikatat, Kivonen?, Purrelle Tuulta, Kutsu, Yolla Euroopasa, Me Kuljemme Kaikki Kuin Sumussa, Haahymni, Tahtitarha, Oi Aika Ihanin, Kulkue, Piene Tarina, Pyhat On Pihlajat Pihalla, Armmottoman Osa, Lintu Lauleli Lehossa, Nova

Rajaton (which actually means "Boundless" in Finnish) is a world-class Finnish vocal jazz septet, and this is their second CD (their first, "Nova," is also excellent). They sing jazz renditions of their own and others' original compositions, Finnish folk songs and poetry put to music. The two Finnish folk songs, "Armahan kulku" and "Kaipaava" are sung in Finnish, the rest are in flawless English. Following the tradition of brilliant Scandinavian vocal jazz groups, Rajaton's sound is bright and clean, harmonically complex, spirited and perfect. The colorful liner notes contain all the words, and lovely photos of the group. Eleven songs: "Butterfly," "Un-Wishing Well," "The Lark In the Clear Air," "We Walk In a Fog," Lennon/McCartney's "Lady Madonna," "Dobbin's Flowery Vale," "Summer Song," "Poison Tree," "You Can't Stop Me," and the two folk songs. A breath of fresh, jazzy air from Finland!

Songlist: Butterfly, Un-Wishing Well, The Lark In The Clear Air, We Walk In A Fog, Lady Madonna, Dobbin's Flowery Vale, Summer Song, Poison Tree, You Can't Stop Me, Armahan Kulku, Kaipaava

'Rajaton' in Finnish means 'boundless,' a good description of the talent of this vocal jazz septet! 'Sanat' is the third excellent CD to reach us, and most of the songs are again in Finnish, with four in perfect English, 'Were You There,' 'Nearer My God To Thee,' 'Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel' and 'Weary In Well-Doing.' The group got together as music students at the renowned Sibelius Academy or at Helsinki's Pop/Jazz Conservatory, and almost immediately began performing live and winning major awards. Their repertoire on previous CDs consisted of their own and others' original compositions, jazz versions of Finnish folk tunes, and poetry put to music. 'Sanat' focuses on another dimension of the group, their deep Christian spirituality. Their sound remains fresh and spirited, harmonically complex; with incredibly perfect bell-like tones. The extensive liner notes present the words in Swedish and English. 'Sanat' is a beautiful CD, the best yet from yet another amazing Scandinavian vocal group!

Songlist: Aurikolaulu, Were You There?, Benedic Anima Mea Dominoi, Stabat Mater, Vain Taivasta Kukkaset Katsovat, Kaikki Maat, Te Riemuitkaate, Iltavirsi, Torramat Do Noebaengil, Nearer, My God, to Thee, Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel, Weary in Well-Doing, Pia Desideria

"Joulu" contains new and old Finnish Christmas music in Finnish only. All the liner notes and song titles are in Finnish, but the music speaks for itself quite eloquently. On this double album the first disc is a studio album with six new songs and five new arrangements of well known Christmas carols. Three of them are known globally: Jingle Bells, Christmas Song (by Mel Torme) and Silent Night. The second album was recorded in a church and contains both classical Finnish Christmas choral pieces by Sibelius, Madetoja, Palmgren and others and contemporary music as well as new arrangements of two traditionals. The three men and three women of Rajaton have a bright, smooth, confident, infectious sound that leaves us wanting to hear more. From the vocal trumpets on the opening cut "Joululaulu" and marvelous vocal percussion on "Pukki tietaa," to the sweet, soaring "En etsi valtaa, loistoa" and "Jouluhymni," each song is a perfect, harmonic jewel. We have been very impressed with previous Rajaton CDs, and "Joulu" is another recommended winner! Nice full-color individual photos of the group in the liner notes.

Songlist: Jouulaulu, Tonttu, Tahtilaulu, Ketun joululaulu, Pukki tietta, Kulkuset, Varpunen jouluaamuna, Talvi-iltana, Joulun neiet, Jouluyo, juhlayo, Joululaulu, Seimeen syntynyt, Jeesuslapsen joululahjat, Jeesuksen seimella, Ja neitsyt pikku poijuttansa, Joululaulu, Toivioretkella, En etsi valtaa, loistoa, Hiljene, maa, Vuotaa armo, taivaan ilo, Jouluhymni, Heinilla jarkien kaukalon

Rajaton (boundless) is an a cappella mixed sextet (3 women, 3 men) based in Helsinki, Finland, founded in 1997, that primarily performs music written especially for the group. Their CDs are elegant, intelligent, poised and confident masterpieces that recall the breezy perfection and song selection of The Real Group. As with early RG CDs were all or mostly sung in Swedish, and it didn't bother us a bit, "Kevat" is all in Finnish and again we hardly notice-focusing instead on the innovative vocal percussion and background vocals. 11 finely-crafted tunes, some favorites: the bluesy, rhythmic "Lunta," the salsa-flavored "Kertosakeen nainen," the dramatic, stunning "Sydan ei vastaa," the precisely-arranged harmonic gem "Jos sanot," the delicate "Kauniimpaa" and the moody "Hopeaa hiuksillaan." But "Kevat" is to be listened to first for enjoyment, and subsequent times to appreciate how such a full, rich, expressive sound is created by these 6 human voices. Being amazed is also acceptable!

Songlist: Kivinen tie, Lunta, Ala mene pois, Kertosakeen nainen, Venelaulu, Sydan ei vastaa, Jos sanot, Nalkaiset linnut, Kauniimpaa, Katosimme kauneuteen, Hopeaa hiuksillaan

With 10 wonderful albums and a live DVD among our personal Vocal Jazz favorites available on Singers.com, we are always thrilled to see and hear a new Rajaton release! This Finnish three man/three women a cappella sextet has a clean, perfect sound that brings to mind groups like Sweeps winners Idea of North, Sing-Off Champs Nota, Sweden's The Real Group, Rockapella and M-Pact. There ar 12 songs here, 6 in Finnish ("Onni," "Vainamoisen Veneretki," "Satakieli Monrepoossa," "Tuuti, Tuuti Poiuttani," the surreal soundscape "Surma," the poignant "Kaivo" and the gentle folk tune "Laulua Lopettaessa." Although we don't speak Finnish, we particularly enjoy these cuts, all the more lovely and powerful because they are in the singers' native tongue. Other favorites are "The Lament (of My Heart)," "Aurora," "Uphill," "I Need You to Turn To" and "Glass House." Rajaton paints with delicate sound, perfectly in tune and harmony, and each album is a surprising, stunning masterpiece. Treat yourself to "Terinoita" by Rajaton, one of our all-time favorites, and clearly one of the best a cappella ensembles in the world!

Songlist: Onni, The Lament (of my heart), Aurora, Uphill, Vainamoisen veneretki, Satakieli Monrepoossa, I Need You to Turn To, Glass House, Tuuti, tuuti poiuttani, Surma, Kaivo, Laulua lopettaessa

Finnish a cappella ensemble Rajaton, returns to their Finnish folk roots, releasing their 8th CD on the occasion of their 10th anniversary. The Finnish word "Maa," which can be translated as earth, country, dirt, land-complements the return to their roots theme. Here are 12 lovely songs, all in Finnish and all composed and arranged by group members. "Nouse lauluni," which translates "Rise up, my song" (the beautiful full-color liner notes thankfully contain English translations of all the lyrics), "Oin ja paivin," (By night and by day), "Tasangot," (The plains) and "Villihanhen laulu," (Song of the wild goose) are immediate favorites; subtle and mysterious, soft at first and building to crescendos, sweet and heartbreaking. Knowing the translated lyrics is interesting but not really necessary-the feeling of these tunes, the melancholy, longing and depth of these poems touches and moves us. The music for the final track, "Valse triste" was written by the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius who died 50 years ago, the recording also honors Finland's 90 years as an independent nation. Sibelius' piece is performed wonderfully, in fact we felt the need to listen to each of these 12 vocal gems again to fully appreciate "Maa."

Songlist: Nouse lauluni, Oin ja paivin, Tasangot, Villihanhen laulu, Tuuti lasta, Talvilaulu, Hiljaisuus, Ikovoi, ihminen, Hiljaa, Pakkanen, Kevat saapui, Valse Triste

Rajaton, our favorite Finnish mixed-voice sextet, has been blowing us away for 9 recordings now, proving with each release exactly how amazing they have become as vocalists. "Rajaton Sings Queen" follows their critically acclaimed "Rajaton Sings Abba," also with the Lahti Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jaakko Kuusisto. There are just a couple of a cappella tunes here, "Under Pressure," composed by Queen and David Bowie, and "Don't Stop Me Now." We of course prefer Rajaton's a cappella recordings, but let's make ourselves clear-we have been lovers of Queen since they first began performing in London in the early 1970s. The vocal brilliance of lead singer Freddie Mercury and guitarist Brian May, and their ability to pen deathless anthems like "We Are The Champions" and "Bohemian Rhapsody" have lifted them into the rarefied atmosphere of Rock superstars. And we have heard countless tribute albums and dozens of cover versions of Queen hits. All of them lacked the same thing that Queen has lacked since the untimely passing of Freddie Mercury, that is, Freddie himself, a performer who could fill stadiums. So now, finally, we hear a tribute album by Rajaton, whose vocal talents are right up there with Mercury's, and we have something! Just listen to the magnificent "I Want It All," "Killer Queen," "A Kind of Magic," "You Take My Breath Away," "Who Wants To Live Forever," the thrilling "Bicycle Race" and "The Show Must Go On." Rajaton's compatibility with the wonderful Lahti Symphony Orchestra was forged with the 2006 Abba album, and here both groups are hitting on all cylinders. Hearing "Bohemian Rhapsody" gave us a tingle up the back of our necks very similar to the one we first got listening to Queen's 1975 magnum opus "A Night At The Opera" through a friend's pricey stereo headphones. Rajaton's excellent English, which allows us to understand all the lyrics perfectly, is an unexpected treat. "Rajaton Sings Queen" is a powerful, magical recording by one of our top contenders for best a cappella group of all time!

Songlist: Bohemian Rhapsody, I Want It All, Killer Queen, A Kind Of Magic, Somebody To Love, You Take My Breath Away, Under Pressure, Innuendo, We Are The Champions, Who Wants To Live Forever, Don't Stop Me Now, Bicycle Race, Love Of My Life, The Show Must Go On

We have heard (and appreciated) many of the songs on "Out of Bounds" by Finnish mixed sextet Rajaton on previous releases. For example, the haunting Irish folk tune "Dobbin's Flowery Vale," the sassy, funny, latin-beat "Un-Wishing Well," "We Walk In A Fog" with its flawless faux horns, a manic cover of Lennon/McCartney's "Lady Madonna" and a gorgeous, floating "Butterfly" are all from the group's 2nd CD "Boundless," but these are not merely reissues. "Dobbin's," the wordless opening cut, has been re-arranged to touch us on an even deeper level, and Swedish Jazz legends The Real Group guest star on "We Walk In A Fog,"-and it's as good as you can imagine. "Vanishing Act" was recorded in Finnish as "Kivinen tie," "Salty Water" as "Venelaulu" and "Snow" as "Lunta" on "Kevat;" all feature spanking new English lyrics. Even the harmonic gem "Mita kaikatat, kivonen?" from "Nova" gets a fresh treatment. New songs include Anuna's Michael McGlynn's "The Wild Song" (originally written for Rajaton, but recorded first by Anuna), Mia Makaroff's jazzy pop "How Little" and a marvelous Sting cover, "I Was Brought to My Senses." If you were possibly kept from falling in love with Rajaton because they weren't "accessible" (you didn't understand Finnish), you are now free to hold in your hand a collection of this amazing group's finest works in perfect English, complete with the harmonies and arrangements that have been blowing us away for five previous CDs (and one hot DVD) now. Enough said!

Songlist: Dobbin's Flowery Vale, Un-Wishing Well, Butterfly, We Walk In A Fog, Vanishing Act, The Wild Song, I Was Brought To My Senses, Lady Madonna, Salty Water, Snow, How Little, Mita Kaikatat, Kivonen?

What a great idea! Rajaton is one of Finland's most highly regarded vocal ensembles and it's only natural that they should want to sing the repertoire of the biggest musical group to ever come out of the region. ABBA songs are well suited for interpretations by vocal groups and the collaboration with the world-class Lahti Symphony Orchestra really pays dividends. Perennial favorites such as "Dancing Queen", "Waterloo" and "Mama Mia" are given a fresh treatment and these and other ABBA songs are already showing their timelessness and enduring charm. A Scandinavian treat!

Songlist: Dancing Queen, Chiquitita, Money, Money, Money, One Of Us, Voulez - Vous, Does Your Mother Know, Head Over Heels, Mamma Mia!, Gimme Gimme Gimme, The Winner Takes It All, Thank You For The Music, Fernando, Waterloo

Avant-garde composer Krzysztof Penderecki, born in Poland in 1933, returned to more traditional musical forms by the early 1960s. The orchestration and scoring in his large vocal works is often highly adventurous, using dramatic devices such as shouting and speaking to great effect. The world-renowned Finnish Tapiola Chamber Choir performs 9 pieces of this dramatically beautiful sacred music: "Stabat Mater," "Two Choruses from the Passion According to St. Luke," "Sicut locutus est from Magnificat," "Agnus Dei," "Song of the Cherubim," "Veni creator," "Benedicamus Domino," and "Benedictus." Striking sacred choral works, made even more so by the clear, bell-like voices of the world-famous Tapiola Choir.

Songlist: Stabat Mater, Two Choruses from the Passion according to St. Luke, -Miserere, -In Pulverem Mortis, Sicut Locutus est from Magnificat, Agnus Dei, Song ofthe Cherubim, Veni Creator, Benedicamus Domino, Benedictus

Over three decades have passed since the founding of the Tapiola Choir, then known as the Tapiola Children's Choir. Shortly after their founding, in 1973 they released "Tapiolan Joulu" ("Christmas With Tapiola"). If you have ever heard that classic album you can't help but be moved by the bell-like chime and purity of the children's voices. On this new Christmas recording the Tapiola Choir, long since recognized as an international treasure, creates a richer, more mature sound with the addition of a couple of dozen young adult voices belonging to the 'seniors.' The choir's founder, Prof. Erkki Pohjola wished to share the experience of creating this recording with former members because this is to be his last as conductor and director of the choir. Additionally, the breadth of the arrangements was enhanced by use of orchestration which never occludes the beauty of the choir and special guest Jorma Hynninen, the celebrated Finnish operatic baritone. The recording begins with an a cappella version of the Australian folk song, "Mary, Handmaiden of the Lord" which was the first three part song ever sung by the original "Choir of the Lower Forms of Tapiola Secondary School." Progressively the song list increases in festivity, youthful fun predominates, and then imperceptibly the feeling returns to the original spirit of Christmas until, finally the choir closes the recording with the a cappella "At Christmas, God Came on Earth." This beautiful recording is not only a testimonial to the young singers of Tapiola but a superb passing of the musical baton to the new conductor, Kari Ala-Pollanen.

Songlist: Maria, Herran piikanen, God Rest You Merry Gentlemen, O Holy Night / Oi, jouluyo, The Joy of Giving, Kulkuset fantasia / Fantasy on Jingle Bells, Tonttujen joulukuusi / Elves around the Christmas Tree, Nigra sum / I Am Black, Noel des enfants qui n'ont plus de maisons, Kuului laulu enkelten, Go, Tell It on the Mountain, Foudu, satakiel, Katso, ihme taivainen, En etsi valtaa, Ioistoa, Maa on niin kaunis, Jouluna Jumala syntyi, Joulukranssi kuudella kielella, - Joulun kellot / Softly, Softly, - Nu tandas tusen juleljus / A Thousand Candles Burning Bright, - Tiliseb tiliseb aisakell / Jingling, Jingling Sleigh Bells Ring, - Leise rieselt der Schnee / Silent Sleeps the Singing Snow, - Mele kalikimaka, - Entre le boeuf.../There in the Hay of the Ox's Stall, - Arkihuolesi kaikki heita / Cast off Thy Everyday Cares

Rainbow Sounds illustrates in a real way the international dimensions of the Tapiola Choir's activities. The choir has made nearly 60 foreign tours to nearly thirty countries. Three times the tour has taken them literally around the world. Tens of foreign choirs have enjoyed a reciprocal welcome in Tapiola as a consequence. It will come as no surprise then that the choir has developed a substantial repertoire of songs from around the world, sung in the original languages. On this CD alone one can hear over half of the thirty-or-more languages in which the choir has sung. Special attention is always paid to accuracy of pronunciation.

Songlist: joko ruvennen runolle/ a kalevala introduction, hanget soi/ singing snow, suomalais-ugrilasia maisemia/ finno-ugric lanscapes: metsasyslaulu/ hunting song, yoen rannalla/ by the riverside, vepsan poluilla/ on vepsian pathways, tammipuu/ the oak tree, paimenessa/ herding song, meren rannalla/ on the sea shore, ba, ba, vita lamm/ baa, baa little lamb, stuff'n' nonsense, let it shine!, aizu bandaisan/ the volacno of aizu bandai, akatonbo/ Red dragonfly, tuira mai/ Stand in rows, danza negroide/ the dance of a negro boy, siyahamba, mina olen harman kankaapaasta/ young rascals form harma village, zai itxoiten/ waiting, nowl des enfants qui n'ont plus de maisons/ christmas carol for homeless children, aglepta/ three fiord skeches: two images, sun and moon, balance, revontulet/ northern lights, Agelpta

Musicality has paved the way for the expansive project that has made the Tapiola Choir's career a unique one. All the way from the 1960s the choir has worked hand in hand with many of Finland's finest composers. This work has generated a quite new choral repertoire of very high quality and - most important - completely lacking all the stock "music for children" mannerisms.

Songlist: Dreams op 85, Pater Noster, Vintern var hard, Suita Grammaticale op. 28, Agnus Dei, Meditatio super Agnum Dei, Halleluja, A

The Tapiola Children's Choir was founded as a school choir by Erkki Pohjola in 1963. It rapidly developed into one of Finland's leading choirs, touring Japan, Europe and the US and winning competitions. "Sounds" is a rich, varied collection of 19 songs by outstanding Finnish composers such as Jean Sibelius ("Finlandia Hymn," "Song of My Heart," "The Snow is Falling"), Pekka Hannikainen ("Summer Twilight," "Sleep, my Child, Sleep"), Fredrik Pacius ("Song of Finland," "Our Country"), Aulis Sallinen ("The Winter Was Hard"), Toivo Kuula ("Evening"), Jukka Koskinen ("To Us a Festival is Given"), Michael Praetorius ("Let Us Chant") and others. Other favorites are Bach's "A Son is Born in Bethlehem" and "Let Me Praise Jesus," Handel's "Rejoice, Daughter of Sion" and the lively traditional folk tune "Burro Matti, Lapin joiku." Light accompaniment on two songs. A beautiful, ringing collection by one of our favorite children's choirs!

Songlist: Finlandia hymn, Song of my Hear, Summer Twilight, Sleep, my Child, Sleep, Prayer, To Us a Festival is Given, Evening, Evening Song, Burro Matti, Song of Finland, Our Country, The Winter Was Hard, Hotaru koi, Sakura, Kompira-Fune-Fune, Maira, the Lord's Little Maiden, A Son Is Born in Bethlehem, Let Me Praise Jesus, Rejoice, Daughter of Sion, Let Us Chant, In the Hay by the Oxen's Trough, Oh Nightingale, Come!, The Snow is Falling, I Kneel Down at your Manger, Majatta, lowly Maiden, Finnish Mystery

This recording will be enjoyed by listeners who are interested in new Orthodox music being composed around the world. Young Finnish composer Mikko Sidoroff's (b. 1985) setting of the Orthodox Memorial Service (Panikhida) is beautifully sung by the Chrysostomos Chamber Choir, conducted by the composer. As for the work itself, similar to Pavel Chesnokov's Panihida, opus 39, it seems to be more appropriate for a concert performance than a church service, although portions of it can certainly be sung in a liturgical context. More importantly, it captures a recognizably "Orthodox" musical spirit, which it seeks to express through new and original musical means. The booklet provides information in English and in Finnish about the service, the composer, and the performers, as well as the text translation.

Songlist: O Come, let us worship, Psalm 91, Great Litany, Troparia, Blessed art Thou, O Lord, Kathisma, Refrain of the Canon, Third Canticle of the Canon, Kathisma and Theotokion, Sixth Canticle of the Canon, Kontakion, Ikos, Refrain of the Canon and 9th Ode, Troparia after the Litany, Closing Prayers and Blessing, Eternal memory

This excellent recording features the most important church music Kostiainen composed for a cappella choir and here sung by The Musica Choir. The title work Regina Angelorum is one of best known work for the female choir by Kostiainen. Kostiainen was awarded the "Goldene Stimmgabel" prize of the European Association of Choirmasters in the year 1995.

Songlist: Kyrie, Gloria, In Deo salutare meum, Sanctus, Agnus Dei, Ave Maria, Regina angelorum, Laudate pueri, Te Deum

The Musica Choir recorded the 3rd part of Kostiainen conducts Kostiainen" series, I've Got a Sweetheart, in the year 2000. On disc you can hear among others the best known folklore based works for the mixed choir, such as the title song and the arrangement for choir of the Ostrobthnian folk song "Veret tuli mun silimihini" (I Got Tears in These Eyes of Mine). In addition there is maybe the most often performed piece of work by Kostiainen "Jaakobin (isot) pojat" (The (Grown-up) Sons of Jacob) and some new works composed into Kalevala texts. SULASOL (The Finnish Association of Choirs) and The Finnish Association of Choirmasters selected this disc as "A Choir Disc of The Year 2000". The Musica Choir had the honor to be the first choir receiving this award to outside the Capital City of Finland.

Songlist: Mull on heila ihana, Lankoiseni, lintuiseni, Ellos nyt hyva isoni, Siita paivan kiinni saapi, Yo alinomainen, Hiilella piirretyt puut, Rikasmies ja aarreaitta, Unberuhmter Ort, An meinen altesten Sohn, Viatonten valssi, Jaakobin isot pojat, Veret tuli mun silimihini, Hyvaa iltaa kultaseni

Kostiainen conducts Kostiainen" discs was released in 2003. The Musica Choir recorded Kostiainen's suites for a mixed choir, partially based on Ingrian folklore lyrics (The Bridegroom's Arrival Songs 1- II and Mary's Story), some texts for the works are selected from the national epic Kalevala (The Tracing of Frost). On the disc there are also some humour Kostiainen likes to cultivate in his works i.e. The Satirical Suite to the lyrics by Lauri Viita.

Songlist: Greeting at the cross-roads, Boy or girl?, Mari's berries, Mari spoiled by the soldiers, What was it that me created?, Mourning for her birth, Greeting at the cross-roads, The groom's entourage sets off for the bridal manor, The groom's entourage arrives at the closed gate of the bridal manor, The groom will not alight until he has been greeted, The groom's entourage salutes the bride's home and asks after the bride, As the groom removes his gear, a choir of maidens salutes him and his entourage, The choir of maidens continues, asking how and by what way the groom's entourage found the bridal manor, The groom's entourage replies that they came along the Lord's highway, following the smell of beer from the bridal manor, The women in the groom's entourage tell the spokesman to purchase the groom the seat of honour at the table, The women sing a song of thanksgiving as the groom sits down at table, The choir of maidens wonders at what took the groom so long, The groom's spokesman, defending the groom, says the groom has visited his father's grave that morning, The Leader, The Service, The Wise, The Office, The Moral, The Collaboboration, The Tree of Knowledge, The Compasion, The Roundelay, Pakko, boy of wicked lineage, Would have frozen Ahti also, You have more than you can do, and more

On March 2007 was released the disc "Oh Lord, please take my hand" where the Musica Choir recorded Pekka Kostieinen's choral arrangements of the well known and also not so well known Finnish psalms and spiritual hymns. Psalm arr.s at the same time are a minor cross section about the career of the composer, the oldest are from 60s and the latest from 2000-tale. This is the 5th disc of the series "Kostiainen conducts Kostiainen"

Songlist: Guardian Angel, Now through the wilderness, This blessed summertime, Abide, my soul, by the will of the Lord, Whence shall I seek refuge?, Be prepared, people of the Lord, Hosanna, He cometh, The King on high, A star once in the sky, Rise up, ye vales and valleys, When you, oh Lord, are with me, A treasure beyond compare, Behold the Lamb of God, A path leads from the garden to Golgotha, Come all and behold, You rose from your grave, I praise and thank Thee, When our defence is in God, I bring you from your angels, Thanks be to Thee, Oh God, Awake, tardy souls, May your hand, oh Lord, protect, A stronghold safe, The coming of Christ, Before Thee, Jesus, once again, Evening has fallen, Creator, The traveller's thoughts return, The ways we once all travel, My kantele

Founded in 1970 The Pirkanpojat Boys' Choir is now one of the leading boy's choirs in Scandinavia. Emphasizing the education and training of the young male voices at the ages of 6 - 9 the boys enter the Perita choir from which they move after auditioning to Concentus and the A-Choir. They begin as sopranos or altos and later they join the male voices. Teaching score reading and voice training run parallel with choir work. Their present choirmaster Master of Music Jussi Kauranen began as a soprano singer in the choir in 1979 and became their Artistic Director in 1995. This recording features many works commissioned by the choir of contemporary Finnish composers and was recorded at their 35th anniversary concert at the Tampere Hall. Finnish lyric poetry is second to none and is expertly demonstrated both in the compositions and the boys singing on this fine recording.

Songlist: The Woodpecker, The Way of the Sword, Then the Aged Vainamoinen, A Blood-stanching Charm, The Origin of the Serpent, The Sky is Blue and White, On Tammerkoski Bridge, Maiden Fair, Wooing, From Kankaanpaa I Am, Saturday Evening, On a Rock, on a Hill, On a Rock, on a Hill, The Song of my Heart, I (How sweetly the squirrel), II (From its chamber up on high), III, IV (What a carefree life it leads), V (There the twitchy-tailed one slumbers), VI, The Forest Man, On the Highest Tree-Top, The Song of Finland, The Finlandia Hymn

Pekka Kostiainen (b.1944) is perhaps not known as well as other Finnish composers outside his native land. Although he wrote mainly instrumental music early in his career, he now concentrates on choral music. Pekka Kostiainen is the present conductor and composes extensively for them. Vox Aurea have excelled in performing his demanding but inspiring music, and taking it on their world tours. Tuhat kertaa tuhat vuotta (A thousand times a thousand years) is the most substantial a capella work on this 6th disc of Alba's "Kostiainen Conducts Kostiainen" series. It is a setting of a poem by Lauri Viita, one of the central characters of post-World War II literature in Finland, and narrates the origin of the world from an empty Cosmos, the building of mountains, ocean formation and the development of life. Softly vibrating tone-clusters suggest the void, magically expanding into the warm church acoustic, and a variety of eerie vocalisations including clicks, hisses and open-mouth tapping give way to firmer melodic lines. The altos, with more robust tone than the sweet sopranos, intone the verses in a modal runic chant style which derives from the Kalevala, the Finnish National epic, very close to the narrative style used by Sibelius in Kullervo and his epic tone poems. The choir are divided into four groups, two of sopranos and two altos, and the music moves antiphonally across the sound stage, suggesting the dynamic events at hand. This really is a tour-de-force of choral pictorialism, a miniature epic in its own right.

Songlist: 1000 x 1000 years (1991), To Finland's mothers (1998), There was a young lady, whose nose, There was an old man with a flute, There was an old lady of France, There was an old man of Cape Horn, There was a young lady, whose chin, There was an old person of Cromer, There was an old maid of Stroud, There was an old man in a tree, The roach, An eel is no adder, The perch, The salmon, The flounder waltz, The freshest fish, Glory be to God, Teach us to create, There they all sit in total silence, Why should I not sing?, If I should sing, I still have a song to sing, Dulce est, Nihil est perpetuum, Ut ameris, Ut fl atus venti, Acta est fabula, The country cat's secret fishy wish (2003), Lullaby, Vainamoinen's legacy (2006)

The children in the Vox Aurea choir, one of the leading Finnish choral groups, are fortunate to be under the direction of Pekka Kostianinen, one of the finest choral composers, and one who likes to test his ideas on his choir before committing them to paper. Finnish folk tradition has been an inspiration for many of these works, the language providing a rhythmic undercurrent and the sound of the words music in itself. "LoRuLaiLee" is a cross-section of Pekka's main works for children's choir. 12 tunes, some favorites: the title tune, "Kiurun tie," "Satakieli," "Jaakobin pojat," and "Pah' on olla paimenessa I and II." This is ethereal, soaring, stunning material, especially for a children's choir.

Songlist: Pyhan Franciscus Assislaisen rukous, Lorulailee, Kiuren tie, Tikanpolkka, Satakieli, Menninkaisen kuutamotanssit, Hiihtojuustoa syonyt lehma tuli hieman levottomaksi, Jaakobin pojat, Revontulet, Pah' on olla paimenessa I, Pah' on olla paimenessa II

This double CD comprises Einojuhani Rautavaara's complete music for male choir - one of the most popular genres in the Finnish cult composer's artistic output. The two featured ensembles are YL Male Voice Choir (Helsinki University Choir), one of the world's most prominent male voice choirs and the prominent commissioner and dedicatee of most of Rautavaara's (and also Jean Sibelius's) works for male choir, and the Talla Vocal Ensemble, a smaller group of 10 singers originally founded within the YL Choir. 2 CDs; booklet with liner notes in English and Finnish and the sung lyrics in the original language and in English.

Songlist: Lauluja (The Singer) (1956), Syksy virran suussa (Autumn at the Rivermouth), Two Preludes of T.S. Eliot, I. Winter Evening, II. The Morning Comes, Kaksi psalmia (Two Psalms) for male choir, 23, 130, Ave Maria, Joulun virsi (Christmas Hymn) for male choir, Elaman kirja (A Book of Life), I. Kindheit (Childhood), II. Ma boheme (My Bohemian life), III. L'Amoureuse (One in love), IV. Vanitas! Vanitatum vanitas, V. Hope is the Thing with Feathers, VI. Are You Ready?, VII. Huojuva keula (The swaying prow), VIII. Le Bain (Swimming), IX. Me emme kuole koskaan (We shall never die), X. Sa var det (So it was), XI. Song of Myself

YL Male Voice Choir was founded in 1883 under the auspices of the Helsinki University. Two years later Jean Sibelius became a student at the conservatory in Helsinki, and soon what would become a long and fruitful collaboration began. When the composer made his breakthrough with Kullervo in 1892, singers from YL formed the backbone of the choir, and when he started to write for male choir a cappella the following year his first work was Venematka (The Boat Journey), composed for the choir's tenth anniversary. After that, a majority of Sibelius's most famous works for male choir were commissioned and premiered by YL, which has never ceased to be regarded as the foremost exponent of Sibelius's music for male choir - the voice of Sibelius! The present program includes both a cappella works and works for male choir and orchestra, in which YL is supported by Lahti Symphony Orchestra conducted by Osmo Vanska. It takes us through a variety of moods and themes: from the brief and very moving Sydameni laulu - a lullaby for a dead child - to Tulen synty (The Origin of Fire), a re-telling of the ancient Kalevala legend of how fire came into the world, as well as the patriotic sentiments of Vapautettu kuningatar (The Captive Queen) and, of course, the hymn from Finlandia, probably Sibelius's most famous composition, here in a choral version.

Songlist: Sortunut Aani, Terve Kuu, Venematka, Saarella Palaa, Metsamiehen Laulu, Sydameni Laulu, Rakastava, Koskenlaskijan Morsiamet, Tulen Synty, Vapautettu Kuningatar, Hymn, Kuutamolla, Isanmaalle, Veljeni Vierailla Mailla, Har Du Mod, Laulu Lemminkaiselle, Jaakarien Marssi, Till Havs, Humoreski, Ne Pitkan Matkan Kulkijat, Finlandia-Hymni