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Radio choir releases two CDs for Jāņi

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The Latvian Radio Choir and folk ensemble Suitu sievas team up on Suite mēle to perform new compositions.

Well-known folk songs get the Latvian Radio Choir treatment on the new collection Skaisti dzied.

Andris Straumanis

June 17, 2008

Just in time for this month’s Jāņi or Midsummer celebration in Latvia, the Latvian Radio Choir has released two new compact discs. One, Skaisti dziedi, is a collection of 23 popular folk songs. The other, Suitu mēle, features new work by Latvian composers performed by the classically trained choir and the well known Suitu sievas folklore ensemble.

Skaisti dzied, according to a June 12 press release from Latvian State Radio, includes “strong and beautiful” well-known songs like “Pūt vējiņi,” “Rīga dimd,” “Kur tad tu nu biji” and “Kur tu teci gailīti.” The songs were chosen by folklorist Zane Šmite and choir director Sigvards Kļava. Seven arrangements are by music student Laima Jansone, who also plays the kokle. Rihards Kalniņš provides English translation of the Latvian folk songs.

The other CD, Suitu mēle, should be a treat for anyone familiar with Suitu sievas. The multigenerational ensemble is known for its cheeky renditions of folk songs. The album, according to Latvian State Radio, contains new work by composers such as Valts Pūce, Ēriks Ešenvalds and Mārtiņš Brauns.

The press release quotes music journalist Orests Silabriedis, who says in part, “On this recording have met those who otherwise go down their own musical road.”

Andris Straumanis is editor of Latvians Online.

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