The Swedish Radio Choir/Treasures

The Radio Choir’s treasure trove has now been plundered for unique live recordings with the maestro from 1969 to 1975. Gems include the motets Mein Odem ist schwach and Vater unser by Max Reger, a composer that has always been very close to Eric Ericson’s heart. One rarity is Drei Französische Chöre, three ten-part French choruses based on a text by Charles d’Orleans and set by the controversial German composer Werner Egk. Also featured is Zoltán Kodály’s Jesus und die Krämer one of his last and widely sung pieces. August Söderman’s Andeliga sånger sets a contrast with its organ and solo soprano, and the whole is capped by Ave Maria and Christus factus est, two of the most popularly cherished motets by his contemporary, the devout Austrian Catholic Anton Bruckner.

Through his work with his Chamber Choir, the Swedish Radio Choir and Orphei Drängar, through his collaborations with the greatest composers of our time, and through his many disc and radio recordings and countless tours and guest performances around the world, Eric Ericson has made Sweden a focal point on the world choral map. With his unflagging curiosity, he continues to develop the choral instrument ad to push the limits of what a choir can achieve, He has also trained and inspired generations of choir conductors.