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 'ModereÐPresque 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.