The album groups different composers' interpretations of the same songs, an idea inspired by Jean Sibelius's arrangements of Piae cantiones songs like Ecce novum gaudium and Angelus emittitur.
Historical Context
The oldest Finnish music publication, Piae cantiones, contains European songs that were known beyond Finland's borders, with early editions mostly in unison and later ones featuring more polyphony.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Matthew Whittall's 'Aattoilta' (Christmas Eve), commissioned for this project, reflects the peace, stillness, cold landscape, and home associated with Christmas in Finland, incorporating subtle dissonances and extended sentiments.
Recording & Production
The album features two different organs: a choir organ by Martti Porthan Organ Builders (2005) in a mid-18th-century Northern Italian style, and the main organ of St Paul's Church (Helsinki), built in 1931 and restored in 2005.
Performer Biography
The Helsinki Chamber Choir, founded in 1962, is Finland's only professional chamber choir and is highly regarded for its work with new music.
Performer Biography
Nils Schweckendiek, artistic director of the Helsinki Chamber Choir since 2007, is a strong advocate for contemporary music, having conducted around ninety first performances of various musical works.
Interpretation
Nils Schweckendiek, the artistic director of the Helsinki Chamber Choir, emphasizes that music transcends geographical borders, and this album includes works by both Finnish and international composers.
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