The 75 professional singers of the DNRC are directed by Stefan Parkman, who has conducted most of Sweden's symphony orchestras and several excellent choirs. Probably the least-known of Richard Strauss's (1884-1949) major works are his compositions for unaccompanied chorus--not surprisingly, because only the most accomplished choirs are qualified to perform them. When they are performed, however, the rewards are great: 16 part harmony with antiphonal block passages alternating with intricate polyphony. Six pieces: 'Der Abend Op. 34 Nr. 1,' 'Hymne Op. 34 Nr. 2,' Deutsche Motette Op. 62,' 'Die Cottin im Putzzimmer,' and 'An den Baum Daphne,' featuring the Copenhagen Boys' Choir. This is beautiful, fine, intricate stuff, with soaring harmonies and solos. Extensive liner notes with all lyrics and histories.

Stefan Parkman, who has conducted most of Sweden's symphony orchestras and those of other Scandinavian countries and numerous other choirs, directs the 75-strong DNRC in the work of German composer Max Reger (1873-1916). The work has two parts, 'Sechsstimmige Chore, Op. 39, which has 3 movements, 'Schweigen' (Silence),' the premier recordings of 'Abendlied' (Evening Song), and 'Fruhlingsblick' (a glimpse of Spring); and Funfstimmige Motetten, Op. 110, which also has 3 movements, 'Mein Odem ist schwach,' (My breath is corrupt), 'Ach, Herr, strafe mich nicht' (O Lord, rebuke me not), and 'O Tod, wie bitter bist du' (O death, how bitter is the remembrance). Although Reger was never a popular composer, his craftsmanship and colossal output have earned him abiding respect in the musical world--this is beautiful music, perfectly performed! Comprehensive liner notes with all lyrics and history.

The German-born Brahms (1833-1897) is considered one of the greatest Romantic composers, while the Danish National Radio Choir (Stefan Parkman, Chief Conductor) is one of the most respected European Choirs performing today. Their pure yet robust sound is a fine complement to the mastery of form that Brahms' works display. Indeed, one of the distinguishing characteristics of his style was his fascination with the contrapuntal forms so often identified with the Baroque and pre-Baroque era: canon, motet, fugue, and the variations thereof. It was accepted at that time to use a folk song or other well-known melody as the basis for the composer's own originality, which was demonstrated through his technical facility and manipulation of accepted idioms. A series of 'Marienlieder' comprise a third of the recording, along with seven motets and three compositions commissioned for the Hamburg Industrial Exhibition of 1889. A recording of excellent virtue.

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.

The best known choral piece by Brahms is his German Requiem. Since his teenage years he was involved with choral groups and continued to work with them throughout his life. He wrote numerous songs for a cappella ensembles as well as with accompaniment. The most familiar of these pieces is the Zigeunerlieder, op. 103. These Gypsy songs are usually performed by a soloist and piano, but were originally written for a quartet. This phenomenal recording by the Danish National Radio Choir highlights some of Brahms' work in the choral genre.

Zoltan Kodaly is best known for his research of folk music and his contribution to the field of music education. A large part of his output is concentrated in the area of choral music. The four works heard on this recording come from the early third of the twentieth century. The Missa Brevis for chorus, alto, tenor, bass solos and organ, is the latest of these pieces and was expanded from his Mass for solo organ. Matrai kepek (Matra pictures) is a set of five pieces which are based on Hungarian folk songs from the Matra region ordered to form a narrative thread. Kodaly's music is dramatic with colorful writing.