Plainscapes -choral works : Klava / Latvian Radio Choir

Peteris Vasks: Plainscapes

Ziles zina (The Message of the Titmouse)
Silent Songs (Klusas dziesmas) for mixed choir
Our Mother’s Names (Musu masu vardi) for mixed choir
The Sad Mother (Skumja mate) for female choir
Summer (Vasara) for female choir
Plainscapes (Lidzenuma ainavas) for mixed choir (vocalise), violin and cello
Small, Warm Holiday (Mazi, silti svetki) for female choir
Birth (Piedzimsana) for mixed choir and percussion

Sandis Steinbergs, violin
Guna Aboltina, cello
Janis Kokins, percussion

Latvian Radio Choir / Sigvards Klava, conductor

Recorded: 05/2011

This CD presents a cross section of a cappella choral works by Cannes Classical-awarded composer Peteris Vasks (b. 1946).

Following on from their successful recording of liturgical Vasks compositions ('Beautifully performed, a rare outing for Vask's choral music' - Gramophone 'recommends'), the Latvian Radio Choir once again draws on the Baltic countries' extraordinary choir music tradition, focusing here on secular repertoire.

The title piece on this disc is Plainscapes, written in 2002 for mixed choir, violin and cello on commission from Gidon Kremer. Meditating on the inspiring beauty of the Latvian lowlands, it uses vocalises to celebrate nature's cyclic miracles.

Birth (2008) for choir and percussion pays tribute to the sun as a symbol for life.