Jakubenas / Vilnius Municipal Choir Jauna Muzika - Jakubenas: The Song of the Exiles & The Deportees - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Bronius Kutavicius' oratorio The Seasons (2005-8) sets texts from a classic Lithuanian poem by 18th c. pastor-poet Kristijonas Donelaitis describing the peasant's life of toil. The Seasons mixes musical modernism and folk-inspired primitivism in an astonishingly powerful portrayal of the interaction of human activity and natural forces. Born 1932, Mr. Kutavicius is Lithuania's senior composer and is regarded as a national treasure. This 2012 live recording documents the first complete performance, given in the composer's presence, as part of the celebrations marking his 80th birthday.

Jakubenas / Vilnius String Quartet / Uinskas - Chamber & Instrumental Music [COMPACT DISCS] date 04/30/2013

Andrejs Selickis (b. 1960) is a singular, idiosyncratic phenomenon among Latvian composers. As with Arvo Pärt, Selickis' work is inseparably linked to his faith, which has found a deep and unique expression in his distinct style. Iconic symbolism, sacred archetypes and the ecstatic experience of God's presence are the keys to his music. This new recording by the Latvian Radio Choir includes choral works by Selickis. Andrejs Selickis grew up and studied music in Latvia, when a crucial meeting with Arvo Pärt took place in the 1970s. Arvo Pärt became a mentor and an example for the composer, both in life and in music. After Pärt emigrated from the Soviet Union, Selickis' found new home in his church. Selickis has worked as an independent artist since graduating from the conservatory. He lives in Riga and serves as a regent, liturgist and psalmist in various congregations of the Church. In 2015 he was awarded the Latvian Great Music Award, the highest state honor in music. The creative collaboration and friendship between Sigvards Klava and Selickis began in 2012 with the Litany to Mother Teresa, the first composition with which Andrejs Selickis entered active concert life. Together, Klava and Selickis have studied and sung Old Believer chants and have also set out pilgrimages to various monasteries. The present album serves as a resume of the creative collaboration between the Latvian Radio Choir, Sigvards Klava and Andrejs Selickis.