The music of Beat Furrer, Swiss-born (in 1954) and Vienna-based, has long attracted attention for its subtle exploration of the possibilities of the human voice. This first recording of his enigmas, a cycle of six a cappella settings of Leonardo (he has since added a seventh) demonstrates its striking emotional range, from rich, almost Romantic tonal warmth to dramatic avant-garde expressionism. It is complemented by two works which underline Furrer’s fondness for exploring sonority, timbre and texture.

enigmas I-VI for mixed choir a cappella (2006-2013), voices — still for mixed choir and ensemble (2001), cold and calm and moving for flute, harp, violin, viola and cello (1992)

Helsinki Chamber Choir, Uusinta Ensemble, Nils Schweckendiek

Release Date: 01.08.2016 Sound samples on Toccata Classics site

"…a hugely attractive collection …this immaculate, Finnish-sourced disc" – Andrew Clements, The Guardian 28.7.2016

“This beautifully produced disc of choral music…” Peter Quantrill, Gramophone November 2016

“Helsingin kamarikuoro yltää parhaimpaansa Furrerin a cappella -kuorolle kirjoittamassa enigma-sarjassa, joka saa näin vaikuttavan ensilevytyksensä.” – Ville Komppa, Yle, Uudet levyt 14.10.2016

“Inspelningen av Enigma-sviten är en premiärinspelning som Helsingfors Kammarkör kan vara mycket stolt över.” – Folke Forsman, Hufvudstadsbladet 5.10.2016