Product Description In early 1922, after Finland had established its independence, a new Masonic lodge was formed Suomi Lodge No.1 and among its first members was Jean Sibelius, who initially served as the lodge's organist. Sibelius received a commission for 'special, genuinely Finnish music for the lodge', and the Masonic Ritual Music, or Musique religieuse, received its first complete performance on 12th January 1927. This CD also includes an arrangement of the score, made by Jaakko Kuusisto at the request of the Finnish Freemasons for a special celebration concert held at the Sibelius Hall in Lahti. Review 'Like all music for official occasions, the suite is safe and tuneful at times, almost reverential. But the craftsmanship never dips below Sibelian summits and there is much to admire in the controlled singing of two fine choruses and tenors Hannu Jurmu and Mika Pohjonen.' --Sinfini Music, Album of the Week, 30/12/13 'These are well prepared performances. The YL chorus are, as one expects under their principal conductor, flawless in Sibelius and Harri Viitanen is splendid in the organ loft...it's the Finlandia Hymn that gives one goosebumps...' --Gramophone, February 2014 'Here, Kuusisto's rich, warm colours are a perfect match for Sibelius's solid, rousing hymn tunes. Mika Pohjonen's vocals are a treat. Sibelius obsessives will enjoy comparing the organ and orchestral versions. Good BIS sound too.' --The Arts Desk, 14/03/2014