Johannes Ockeghem; Estonian Religious Folk Chorales

Heinevankar is a small Estonian choral ensemble dedicated to performing music both ancient and modern, with a particular emphasis on traditional Estonian sacred music and Renaissance polyphony. You get both on this unbelievably beautiful album, on which they alternate sections from various Mass settings by the 15th-century composer Johannes Ockeghem with Estonian folk chorales. The two styles contrast with but also complement each other, and the pure, sweet tones of the mixed-voice ensemble showcase both exquisitely. This is one of the most gorgeous recordings I’ve ever heard.