Orphei Drängar - Diamonds (LP)

Orphei Drängar, the renowned Swedish male voice choir, presents "Diamonds," a captivating collection of 20th-century masterpieces for male choir. Released in 2003 under the BIS label, this album spans a rich hour and fourteen minutes, featuring seventeen tracks that showcase the choir's exceptional vocal prowess and the diverse compositions of some of the century's most influential composers.

The album opens with Francis Poulenc's "4 Petites prières de Saint-François d’Assise," a serene and contemplative piece that sets the tone for the spiritual and introspective themes that weave throughout the collection. The choir's harmonious blend is evident in works like Randall Thompson's "Alleluia" and Veljo Tormis' evocative "Muistse mere laulud." The repertoire also includes Swedish ballads, such as the enchanting "Gryningsvind" and the lively "Saltarelle," offering a taste of the choir's versatility and cultural heritage.

Conducted by Robert Sund and Folke Alin, Orphei Drängar delivers a polished and nuanced performance, highlighting the intricate compositions of Darius Milhaud, Camille Saint-Saëns, and Eugen Suchon, among others. The album is a testament to the choir's dedication to preserving and performing the finest choral music of the 20th century, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.