The Erik Westberg Vocal Ensemble
Anders Paulsson: Soprano Saxophone
Mattias Wager: Organ
Musica Sacra 

The Erik Westberg Vocal Ensemble was founded 1993 and consists of 16 voices. The members come from Norrbotten and Västerbotten in the far north of Sweden. The ensemble has successfully toured France (1994) and Brazil (1995) under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Silvia. In 1996 they performed in Finland, Iceland and even as far as Japan. They have given performances on Swedish Television and Swedish Radio.
     Musica Sacra is a "choral" CD with a difference. Here we have the choral sound blended with organ, soprano -saxophone and percussion. At the same time a number of musical styles or types have been incorporated including for example Latin/Jazz influenced choir music as well as Swedish folk and baroque influences.
     Performing on this CD we have the internationally famous Anders Paulsson on soprano-saxophone and on organ Mattias Wager,  who in 1995 won two of Europe's most prestigious competitions: "International Interpretation Competition" in St. Albans, England and the "Grand Prix dëImprovisation Pierre Cochereau" in Paris, France. Works by: Bach, Sandström, Jansson, de Morales, Olsson, Vivaldi etc.

"Spiritual peace in a troubled world  -  this is the recurrent theme of this CD "

This flawless disc opens with a hymn by Bach, followed by a solo by organist   Mattias Wager, whom I loved. Jan Sandström's Sanctus also pleased me. 
      I promise you a shock on cut 3, Gunnar Eriksson's arrangement of Lars Jansson's superb To the Mothers of Brazil. It is performed by the choir, the remarkable saxophonist Anders Paulsson, and percussionist Tomas Isaksson. 
      I was won over, delighted!  How can a percussion group with an African rhythm, an East Indian-accented soprano sax, and a very Occidental choir meld into such a harmonious and admirable performance. It must be heard! I love choral music, and because I do, I am demanding of singers, the conductor and even the recording environment and the sound recording. "This disc is tops from every point of view."
(UHF Magazine)

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