Credits:

Argerich

Description:

Born in Latvia to a Baptist minister, Vasks (1946- ) had a difficult adolescence, as he was unable to study at the local music academy due to political repression of the church, and finally enrolled in a music academy in neighboring Lithuania. His love of nature and his strong sympathy for Latvian folk songs have given him a unique worldview, which he expresses in his music by incorporating mourning for what is being lost and a longing for tradition. The choral works recorded here are also hymns of praise to nature and respect for the sun, and you can sense not only the beauty of the music but also the muddy attachment to life. You will be amazed once again at the high standard of choral music in the Baltic countries. Naxos Japan

Tracklisting:

1.The Tomtit's Message (Ziles zina), for mixed choir
2.Silent Songs (Klusas dziesmas), for mixed choir: 1. Nosapi parsapi
3.Silent Songs (Klusas dziesmas), for mixed choir: 2. Dusi dusi
4.Silent Songs (Klusas dziesmas), for mixed choir: 3. Tris mezi
5.Silent Songs (Klusas dziesmas), for mixed choir: 4. Paldies tev vela saule
6.Our Mother's Names (Musu masu vardi), for mixed choir
7.The Sad Mother (Skumja mate), for female choir
8.Summer (Vasara), for female choir
9.Plainscapes (Lidzenuma ainavas), for mixed choir (vocalise), violin and cello
10.Small, Warm Holiday (Mazi, silti svetki), for female choir
11.Birth (Piedzimsana), for mixed choir and percussion