The Choir - Matthew Whittall/Haydn Grosse Orgelmesse

Finland is famed for its distinctive choral sound, yet one of its brightest composing stars is a Canadian who moved there only in 2001. Aled Jones talks to Matthew Whittall about this unique choral culture swap. Plus more from Eisenstadt, Joseph Haydn's professional home, and the second in a series of complete mass performances, his Missa in Honorem BVM (Grosse Orgelsolomesse). Tracklist: Jarmo Parviainen Ilta (Evening) Helsinki University Chorus (HOL), conducted by Esko Klalio ALBA NCD39, track 1 Cristobal de Morales Regina Caeli Nordic Voices CHANDOS CHSA5050, tracks 3-4 Matthew Whittall Sakura (from Shiki) HOL, conducted by Esko Kallio ALBA NCD39, track 10 Matthew Whittall Prelude - summer; Amanogawa (from Shiki) HOL, conducted by Esko Kallio ALBA NCD39, tracks 11-12 Kyrillus Kreek Happy is the Man Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, conducted by Paul Hillier HARMONIA MUNDI HMU907311, track 3 Matthew Whittall Listen to the Rain HOL, conducted by Esko Kallio ALBA NCD39, track 2 Hubert Parry Jerusalem Waynflete Singers, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and the Choir of Winchester Cathedral, conducted by David Hill ARGO 430 836-2, track 12 Joseph Haydn Missa in Honorem BVM (Grosse Orgelmesse) Soloists: Dorothea Roschmann, Bernard Fink, Helmut Wildhaber and Klaus Mertens, with the Hugo Distler Choir and Vienna Academy conducted by Martin Haselböck. The organ soloist is Elisabeth Ullmann. NOVALIS 150095-2, track 1-6