Strauss, R: Traumlicht, No. 2 of Drei Männerchöre AV123

The Estonian National Male Choir RAM was founded by the grand old man of Estonian choral music Gustav Ernesaks in 1944. Initially a male choir, specialized on a cappella repertoire, has by today grown into a world-famous professional performer of oratorial works. The choir makes regular recordings for the Estonian Public Broadcasting as well as releases annually CDs under the labels of Deutsche Grammophon, Sony, Warner Classics / Finlandia Records, and Virgin Classics. RAM has given more than 6000 concerts all over Estonia, in the former USSR, in Europe as well as in Israel, Canada and the USA. Currently the choir employs 49 singers.

The Orchestra of the Estonian Defence Forces is a state ceremonial orchestra founded on February 1st, 1993, or more precisely, it was re-established together with the re-establishment of the Estonian Defence Forces after the country had regained its independence. Since 1996, its commander and chief conductor is lieutenant-colonel Peeter Saan. The main task of the orchestra is to perform at all state and military ceremonies as well as receive and see off high-standing state visits and guests. The orchestra gives concerts in military units as well as public concert halls. Initially comprising a staff of 20 musicians, the orchestra today employs 40 professional musicians.

The romantic works on this recording profit from Singer Pur’s supreme mastery and its absolute precision in intonation, harmony and phrasing. Every voice retains its independence even as it contributes to the ensemble sound. Their concerts and recordings have been very successful.

The nineteenth century was a golden age for choral singing in Germany and Austria. Beginning in 1810, singing clubs, and later on, choral societies, shot up all over this part of the world like mushrooms. You could join a Liedertafel, Liederkranz, or Männersangverein. Carl Friedrich Zelter, Mendelssohn’s teacher and the leader of the Berliner Singverein, was the first person to use the term “Liedertafel” in 1808. The term was used to indicate an informal meeting of poets, composers, and singers who came together to sing German partsongs.

In a letter addressed to Goethe, Zelter explained that the 25 members of his Liedertafel were accustomed to sit down at a well-furnished table for a sumptuous dinner followed by an evening of singing. Zelter’s group preferred original works, so freshly composed that the ink was still wet. The goal was stimulation and promotion of German poetry and music.

The Gents is unique All-male Dutch vocal ensemble that obtained in a very short period a prominent place within the international music world. The group of young singers is praised because of their special sound, the large degree of flexibility and the unequalled interpretation of the very divergent vocal repertoire. Whether it concerns religious music from the Renaissance, romantic English music, arrangements of contemporary jazz and pop songs or especially composed works for the ensemble, the concerts of The Gents are always an extraordinary experience. The concerts can count therefore on enthusiastic public and positive criticisms in the press.

Acclaimed choral and orchestral conductor, Laurence Equilbey, conducts the Latvian Radio Choir along with her own fantastic professional ensemble, Accentus, in a recording showcasing the brilliance of Richard Strauss’ choral music.

This release highlights the inspiration of Bavarian poet Friedrich Rückert upon the choral writing of Richard Strauss. Glimpses of this influence can be found in the ‘Hymne’ from op.34 and the other choruses on this disc, among them the ambitious masterpiece that is Deutsche Motette (German Motet) op.62, the peak of Straussian choral art.

The chamber choir Accentus was founded by Laurence Equilbey in 1991, and is now recognised as one of the leading ensembles in Europe. Accentus' recording of Fauré’s Requiem, released last year, was shortlisted for the 2009 Gramophone Awards in the 'Choral' category.

Combining perennial favourites with wonderful new discoveries, these immediately appealing pieces reflect the much-loved repertoire at the heart of a King's Singers programme, performed with the skill and flair that distinguishes the group as one of the world's most popular a cappella ensembles. Signum Records latest venture with The King's Singers, Romance du Soir, follows hot on the heels of a Live DVD and CD release of their 2008 performance at the BBC Proms in the Royal Albert Hall (SIGDVD005 and SIGCD150), and the 2008 Grammy-nominated album Simple Gifts (SIGCD121).