Latvian composer Jānis Mediņš, throughout his long career, made many significant contributions to the field of Latvian classical music. In his lifetime (1890 – 1966) Mediņš composed operas, ballets, choir music, symphonic music, as well as piano music.

It is perhaps in the field of piano music that Mediņš created his magnum opus – the 24 Dainas (or folk songs) for solo piano. Mediņš composed these works throughout his life, and the compositions are a kind of thread woven throughout his life, a musical diary that he kept adding to throughout his career – Daina No. 1 was composed in 1921, while Daina No. 24 was composed in 1963.

It is a monumental, complex body of work, and perhaps that is why there have been few recordings of the entire series. Pianist Jonathan Powell released a recording of all of them in 2012, and the latest recording of all 24, by Latvian pianist Arta Arnicāne, was released in 2025 on the Prima Classic label.

Arnicāne has performed all over the world and is currently teaching at the Zurich Music Conservatoire, and, according to the CD booklet, is ‘especially devoted … to the discovery and performance of rare repertoire’. In preparation for performing and recording these works, Arnicāne delved in to the life story of Jānis Medinš, analyzing the dedications of individual Dainas and how that influenced that particular composition, as well as Mediņš biography, and how that may have guided the mood and sound of the compositions.

This deep understanding allows Arnicāne to present a unique perspective on these works. Beyond the pianist’s technical and interpretations skills, Arnicāne brings forth the emotional and personal context in each of the Dainas, and she paints a vivid portrait of the life of Jānis Mediņš. The CD booklet also includes many notable details about the dedication and performance of many of the individual Dainas.

As the 24 Dainas were composed over decades, the listener can trace stylistic changes and evolutions throughout Mediņš career. The compositions also carry a range of emotions, from moments of joy to moments of bleakness. Certain Dainas are technically demanding, while others offer plaintive, tender melodies. Arnicāne skillfully reveals the many textures and spirit of these works. From the romantic and tender Daina No.6, to the more melancholy No. 13 (composed after World War II, when Jānis Mediņš was a refugee), and then to the darker Daina No. 18 (though the works are called ‘Dainas’, this is the only one to reference a Latvian folk song, the tragic orphan’s song ‘Maziņš biju, neredzēju,’), Arnicāne imbues each one with a rich emotional and tonal spirit.

Composed over the course of 42 years, Jānis Mediņš’ 24 Dainas provide not just a vivid biography of the composer, but also, with their range of emotions and varied styles, create a multi-faceted and layered Latvian landscape. Arta Arnicāne, with her deft and nuanced performances, as well as her deep understanding and passion for these works, reveals the musical brilliance of Mediņš contained in each of these gems.

For further information, please visit Arta Arnicāne’s website and the Prima Classic website.

Jānis Mediņš – 24 Dainas

Arta Arnicāne

Prima Classic, PRIMA047, 2025