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Hiljaa 
 Hiljaisuus
Ikavoi ihminen
Kevatsaapui
Nouse Lauluni
Oin ja paivin
Pakkanen
Talvilaulu
Tasangot
Tuuti lasta
Valse triste
Villihanhen Laulu-1
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Rajaton: Maa (2007 CD)
Based on 2 review(s) |
Write your own review
Vocal Ensemble Rajaton was founded in the fall of 1997, and their debut album Nova (2000) consisted merely of new songs composed to Finnish poetry. Since then, the group has enhanced its artistic expression to many directions: they've recorded some English-language repertoire, sacred music, Christmas carols, songs of contemporary Finnish songwriters, even ABBA.
This fall, Rajaton wants to celebrate its tenth anniversary by returning to its Finnish roots. Their eighth album, called Maa, contains once again nothing but new songs composed to Finnish poetry. This is the first ever Rajaton album where most of the songs were written, arranged and produced by the group members themselves. It's also the first album that was completely mixed by the group's own concert sound engineer Ilkka Herkman.
The name of the album, Maa, is a Finnish word with various meanings. It can be translated either to earth, land, country, ground or soil, depending on the context. The name refers to the "back to the roots" attitude of the whole album, both figuratively and concretely.
The release date, 10/10, is well-considered; not only does it refer to Rajaton's tenth anniversary, but that particular day is also celebrated as the Finnish Literature Day. The album is meant to honour Finland's 90 years of national independency as well as the whole Finnish arts and culture heritage.
Finland's national composer Jean Sibelius passed away 50 years ago. To him is dedicated the closing track of the album, Valse Triste, which Rajaton interpretes in its touching and recognizable manner; not imitating instruments but always sounding like itself – a vocal group.
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Format: CD
Year Released/Length: 2007
Record Label: Plastinka Records
Style/Genre: Finnish folk
Voicing: Mixed quintet
A cappella?: Yes
Date added to our catalog: 10/10/07
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Song List:
Nouse Iauluni (Soila Sariola, trad.)
Oin ja paivin (Mia Makaroff - Eino Leino, arr. Mia & Rajaton)
Tasangot (Hannu Lepola - P. Mustapaa)
Villihanhen laulu (Jussi Chydenius - Katri Vala)
Tuuti lasta (Jeff Smallman, trad.)
Talvilaulu (Jussi Chydenius - Eino LEino)
Hiljaisuus (Essi Wuorela - Kirsi Kunnas)
Ikavol, ihminen! (Juha Tapio - Eino Leino, arr. Ahti Paunu)
Hiljaa (Hannu Lepola - Eino Leino)
Pakkanen (Soila Sariola, trad.)
Kevat saapui (T. Alakotila - K. Kunnas, arr. J. Chydenius)
Valse triste (Jean Sibelius, arr. Jussi Chydenius)
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CUSTOMER REVIEWS: |
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Based on 2 review(s) |
Write your own review
2nd Best Rajaton CD
User Rating:
Posted By: Reviewer
Date Posted: 2007-12-02 10:34:24
"I have three top favourite Rajaton Cds. 1 is Nova, 2 is Maa, 3 is Kevat This is a great cd, I love Hiljaa, hannu's solo is amazing! A great buy!"
A slightly new direction, but still great
User Rating:
Posted By: reviewer
Date Posted: 2007-12-12 04:34:14
"Funnily enough, like Kevat, which is my favorite Rajaton release, I didn't like this one at first, but repeat listens have let it grow on me. A couple of songs lack a bit of direction (Pakkanen comes to mind), but the group is as technically brilliant as always. Noise lauluni, Oin ja paivin and Villihanhen laulu are standouts, but my favorite track is the understated Ikavoi ihminen, which was a beautiful pensive and haunting melody and some great rhythm progression in the middle (though it ends abruptly and anticlimactically).
Also, full English translations are provided in the liner notes again, much appreciated. Another great album - it's hard to rank them all in order because we all have different favorite songs (my #1 fave is Katosimme Kauneuten from Kevat). Worth buying!"
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