On this episode of The Choral Mix, we consider the musical life of Eric Ericson, the legendary Swedish choral conductor who died on Feb. 16 at age 94.

Over five decades, Ericson was associated with numerous ensembles including the Swedish Radio Choir, Netherlands Chamber Choir and the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir. Each demonstrated the breadth of his work and demand for his leadership.

Eric Ericson was known as a gifted choral educator, on a par with Robert Shaw in raising the level of choral excellence. His presence at Westminster Choir College events and his participation in the Lincoln Center "Music of the Spirit" series showcased the artistry of his choirs in the U.S.

Ericson was awarded the Nordic Council Music Prize in 1995 and the Polar Music Prize in 1997. His legacy – for emphasizing a warmth of tone and exactitude of musical execution – lives on in Sweden, where per-capita participation in choral singing is higher than in almost any other country on earth.

Playlist:

Bruckner / The Swedish Radio Choir /The Swedish Radio Choir, Eric Ericson

Ave Maria

Kodaly/ The Swedish Radio Choir /The Swedish Radio Choir, Eric Ericson

Jesus and the traders

Ravel/500 Years of European Choral Music/ Swedish Radio Choir, Eric Ericson

Trois Chansons

Poulenc/ Poulenc: Secular Choral Music/Netherlands Chamber Choir, Eric Ericson

Petites Voix (1936) I. la Petite Fille Sage

Petites Voix (1936) II. Le Chien Perdu

Petites Voix (1936) III. en Rentrant de L’ecole Petites Voix (1936) IV. Le Petite Garcon Malade

Petites Voix (1936) V. Le Herisson

Sibelius/North/Accentus, Eric Ericson

Sydameni laulu

Rakastava

Shostakovich/ Eric Ericson Chamber Choir & Eric Ericson

10 Poems, Op. 88: No. 8 Invincible Victors

10 Poems, Op. 88: No. 9 May Day

10 Poems, Op. 88: No.10 Song

Schoenberg/ Treasures/ Eric Ericson Chamber Choir & Eric Ericson

Friede auf Erden