Ondine continues its long-term collaboration with Einojuhani Rautavaara with the world première recording of his Missa a cappella.

Einojuhani Rautavaara – a self-described “mysthic” – has written a considerable amount of sacred music, including works in the Lutheran, Catholic and Orthodox traditions. His Missa a cappella is one of his most significant recent works, and is here recorded alongside extracts of the Vigilia – his most extensive sacred choral work – his Missa duodecanonica, and a number of smaller sacred choral works.

The Latvian Radio Choir is one of the top chamber choirs in Europe, praised by Gramophone as “an outstanding body of singers”. As a “sound laboratory”, the singers investigate alternative techniques to enhance their vocal skills – from traditional methods to the art of quartertone and overtone singing.

Under the direction of Sigvards Kļava, the Latvian Radio Choir has become an internationally acclaimed and vocally distinctive ensemble, constantly searching for new ideas. Under his guidance, the choir has recorded several works by lesser-known composers, and has collaborated with a number of notable Latvian composers.

This is the Latvian Radio Choir’s follow-up disc to their highly acclaimed recording of Rachmaninov’s All-Night Vigil, which was Gramophone’s Recording of the Month in their February 2013 issue.