Johannes Brahms
Liebeslieder
Latvian Radio Choir · Sigvards Klava, conductor · Dace Klava, piano · Aldis Liepins, piano
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Peteris Vasks
Da pacem, Domine
Mein Herr und mein Gott · Laudate Dominum · Prayer (Lord, open our eyes) · The Fruit of Silence
Latvian Radio Choir
Sinfonietta Riga
Ilze Reine, organ (track 3)
Sigvards Klava, conductor
Track listing
5 tracks · 66:52Listen to samples on selected tracks.
Peteris Vasks
- 1 Da pacem, Domine (2016) 17:41
- 2 Mein Herr und mein Gott (2016) 9:29
- 3 Laudate Dominum (2016) 15:29
- 4 Prayer (Lord, open our eyes) (2011) 17:08
- 5 The Fruit of Silence (2013) 7:05
About this recording
This release includes new works written by Pēteris Vasks (b. 1946), internationally the most well-known composer from Latvia, performed by his compatriots, the Latvian Radio Choir and Sinfonietta Riga under the direction of Sigvards Kļava. During the years both the choir and the orchestra have collaborated extensively with the composer and premiered several works by him, including Da pacem, Domine which was premiered as a part of Pēteris Vasks' 70th anniversary concert in 2016. This album is the third album dedicated to works by Pēteris Vasks by the Latvian Radio Choir and Sigvards Kļava on Ondine.
Three works included on this album were written in 2016: Da pacem, Domine, premiered on Vasks’ 70th anniversary programme, is according to the composer, a powerful “cry of desperation for our times, a prayer for our mad world. I believe that music strengthens our faith, love and soul.” Mein Herr und mein Gott is a work inspired by a solemn meditation written by a 15th century Swiss mystic Nicholas of Flüe, also known as Brother Klaus. The work was premiered at the annual International Sacred Music Festival, organized by the State Choir ‘Latvija’ and conductor Māris Sirmais. The lyrics of Laudate Dominum, the title piece of the album, consist of only one sentence which is repeated by the choir. The choral texture of the work alternates with majestic organ episodes. The remaining two works in the album are based on texts by Mother Teresa: The earliest of them, Prayer (Lord, open our eyes) was written in 2011. The second, The Fruit of Silence (2013), was written for the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. For Vasks Mother Teresa is “an endless source of inspiration”, as well as “an example of true Christian love, speaking through actions, not mere words”.
The releases of the Latvian Radio Choir on Ondine have been highly successful. For instance, the recording of Rachmaninov’s All-Night Vigil (ODE 1206-5) was chosen as the Record of the Month, Editor’s Choice and received a nomination in the Gramophone Awards in 2013. Also, their recent releases of choral works by Valentin Silvestrov (ODE 1266-5) and Eriks Esenvalds (ODE 1247-2) received Gramophone Editor’s Choice.
Features
Sleeve notes and lyrics in English
The artists
Latvian Radio Choir
The Latvian Radio Choir is a full-time professional chamber choir founded in 1940. Chief Conductor Sigvards Kļava and Conductor Kaspars Putniņš have led the choir since 1992. The ensemble's repertoire ranges from the Renaissance to the present day, with a primary focus on exploring the capabilities of the human voice and seeking to extend its limits. A major part of the repertoire is dedicated to contemporary music and composers of the 20th and 21st centuries. The choir is also open to creative experiments and often participates in dramatic performances and multimedia projects. The ensemble regularly commissions works from leading Latvian composers such as Pēteris Vasks and Ēriks Ešenvalds.
Sinfonietta Riga
Sinfonietta Rīga was formed in 2006. The orchestra of 34 young musicians is led by artistic director, oboist and conductor Normunds Šnē. Sinfonietta Rīga's musical direction and repertoire development are based on two principal aims: to pass on the rich traditions of music to the next generation of performers and audiences and to enlighten their listeners by presenting a thoroughly modern selection of works. The orchestra has performed with such soloists and conducters as Baiba Skride, Patrick Gallois, Roger Muraro, Martin Grubinger, Kirill Troussov, Alina Pogostkina, Peter Donohoe, Claudia Barainsky, Monica Groop, Sigvards Kļava, Heinz Holliger, Christoph Poppen and Juha Kangas. Both in 2007 and in 2008, Sinfonietta Rīga received the the Great Music Award of Latvia.
Sigvards Klava
Sigvards Kļava began working with the Latvian Radio Choir in 1987 and was appointed its Chief Conductor and Artistic Director in 1992. As one of Latvia's most prolific choral conductors, Sigvards Kļava has collaborated with every leading choir and orchestra in the country, performing the great works of the standard repertoire in addition to conducting most premieres of new choral works by Latvian composers. He has recorded numerous albums with the Latvian Radio Choir. Sigvards Kļava has also been Chief Conductor at a number of Latvian and Nordic song festivals. He is a co-founder of the Latvian New Music Festival ARENA and serves as a member of its artistic board. He teaches young conductors at the Choral Department of the Latvian Academy of Music and the Choral College of the Riga Lutheran Cathedral. Sigvards Kļava appears as a guest conductor with leading European choirs. He has received the Latvian Great Music Award and the Latvian Cabinet of Ministers Award.
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Ieva Ezeriete, soprano · Ieva Parsa, mezzo-soprano · Liga Paegle, alto · Jänis Kursevs, tenor · Daumants Kalnins, baritone · Aleksandrs Maijers, recorder & jaw harp · Sinfonietta Riga · Latvian Radio Choir · Sigvards Klava, conductor
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Valentin Silvestrov
To Thee We Sing · Sacred Choral Works
Latvian Radio Choir · Sigvards Klava, conductor
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