Vasks compilation of works exceptional

Egils Kaljo

May 16, 2012

Though Latvian composer Pēteris Vasks has achieved success and fame with compositions for solo instruments, string quartets, orchestras, piano, among many other instruments, some of his most powerful and memorable works are his choir songs. The addition of text and language (particularly the Latvian language), in combination with the exceptional skill of the world-class Latvian Radio Choir, make his choir songs particularly haunting and emotionally affecting.

This is clearly evidenced on Plainscapes, a 2012 release by Finnish label Ondine, featuring the Latvian Radio choir performing a number of Vasks’ secular choir works, conducted by Sigvards Kļava – an album that is, in my opinion, destined to be one of the best and most significant Latvian classical music releases of 2012.

Galante captivates in the soul of Rīga

May 16, 2012

One of the best known Latvian musicians internationally, with a career spanning multiple decades, soprano Inese Galante (known as Inessa Galante internationally) has turned to sacred music on her latest 2011 release – The Soul of Rīga. Recorded at the Rīga Cathedral, the two CD collection features the Cathedral’s world famous organ performed by organists Aivars Kalējs and Mattias Wager.

Latest Latvian voices CD features mostly Latvian repertoire

May 06, 2012

A cappella music, although often awe-inspiring for listeners because of the vocal talent of the singers, can at times be undermined by the excessive falsetto and slightly overwrought style of singing. Surprisingly enough, Latvian Voices’ latest album Tā kā taka can easily become a favorite.

Re-release of two latest Piecīši albums on one CD

April 22, 2012

The venerable American Latvian ensemble Čikāgas piecīši, now in their sixth decade of activity, have re-released their final (to date) studio albums – Gandrīz mājās (1991) and Vai Debesīs būs Latvija (1995), released in 2011 as one CD.

Compact discs

A tasty spread of new music

April 09, 2012

Every couple of years Latvians get a taste of some fresh butter. Sviests IV, that is – the compilation of what’s new in the world of Latvian ethnic and ethnic-inspired music (sviests means butter in Latvian). This fourth edition of the Sviests series was released in late 2011 and contains 22 samples of everything from a popular turn-of-the-20th-century song to modern music for the concert kokle, from a traditional harvest melody to folk-rock and ambient music.

Third album by Double Faced Eels takes a turn toward the serious

March 25, 2012

Vēl patiesāk by the band Double Faced Eels was certainly one of the most unexpected yet pleasant surprises in Latvian rock music in 2010.

A dozen composers’ works combine to honor those hard to silence

February 28, 2012

The distinguished and world renowned Baltic string orchestra Kremerata Baltica, led by artistic director and visionary violinist Gidon Kremer, in 2010 released a unique collection of string works entitled De Profundis.

On debut album, rockers Laime Pilnīga take listener on cosmic journey

February 26, 2012

One of the bright spots of 2011 on the Latvian music scene was the debut album Dual by Laime Pilnīga.

Aggressive tempo of ethnic trance marks third album by Auļi

February 12, 2012

Drum and bagpipe ensemble Auļi occupies a particular niche not just in Latvian music, but in world music in general. Combining drums and bagpipes might not have been the most logical decision, but Auļi has found success and fame for its style and performances.

Despite 25 years of making music, Bumerangs has just two albums

February 11, 2012

Bumerangs, from the northern Latvian city of Valka, has long been a Latvian schlager music institution. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in December 2011, the band has been one of the hardest working—playing, in some years, hundreds of concerts, and entertaining audiences not just in Latvia, but elsewhere in the world.

Book shines a light on Latvian lighthouse art and history

October 01, 2011

What could be quainter than the lowly lighthouse? Its simple purpose has always been to shine a light out over the coastline to guide ships.

Compact discs

Labvēlīgais tips delivers basket of band’s popular songs

September 26, 2011

Veteran Latvian satirical and humor ensemble Labvēlīgais tips returned in 2010, after a gap of three years since its last recording, with the studio album Kurvis.

Books

Claiming Latvians are everywhere, sweeping novel proves entertaining

July 18, 2011

When I visited Latvia this spring, where the novel Latvieši ir visur was still a bestseller, I heard that it was something of a parlor game to try guessing the real name behind the author’s pseudonym “Otto Ozols.”

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