Founded in 1932, the Danish National Radio Choir, directed by Jesper Grove Jorgensen, tours all over Europe, Australia, Canada and the USA. "Pupils" features 6 eclectic works by Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992), 3 works by Karlheinz Stockhausen (b. 1928) , and 3 works by Iannis Xenakis (b. 1922). Working all his life in the church, the French composer Messiaen's "Cinq rechants" offers abrasive dissonances and monodies, and lines with a vital rhythmic energy. His pupil Stockhausen goes off in a different direction, combining religious and erotic elements. Xenakis went in still another direction, the political, writing "Nuits" for 12 voices, an appeal on behalf of political prisoners; and choral music for ancient dramas like "A Helene" and "Serment." Stockhausen's "Die Nachtigall," Armer junger Hirt" and "Agnus Dei" are lovely. Messiaen's "Modere-Presque vif," Bien modere" and "Tres vif" are particularly nice. Very different, beautifully performed choral music! Extensive liner notes with lyrics and histories of the composers. |
