Singer Pur, a German sextet specializing in a capella vocal works, began with five former members of the famous Regensburger Domspatzen cathedral boys’ choir. They added a soprano, creating a unique combination of voices (a soprano, three tenors, a baritone and a bass), and a reputation for performing unusual and compelling repertoire. Their 29th and newest release, Among Whirlwinds, covers more than 900 years of works by women. Women composers, says Singer Pur, may be getting more attention as of late, but “they are still in need of promotion.” And the CD does just that.
Some names will be familiar: Hildegard of Bingen, Clara Schumann, Fanny Hensel. Others may be new to you: Alfrida Andrée, Kathryn Rose, Joanne Metcalf, Maddalena Casulana. They are voices from around the world: from Korea, the United States, Great Britain, the Basque Region. Some were nuns, some are teachers and conductors, one was murdered in Auschwitz. All have extended their voices in music. The result is compelling, hypnotic, and unforgettable.
