C
hristmas has been linked with the advent of light in the physical and also the spiritual world. Praises have been sung to Christmas and light in both folk songs and in works that affirm faith. These songs have expressed spontaneous or muted delight, bright dreams or impetuous longings, deep humility or uplifting joy. This spectrum of diverse colors has been accumulated and constantly supplemented by a long series of cantatas written by Latvian composers: new compositions inspired by Andrejs Jansons and the New York Latvian Concert Choir. During the 40 years since its founding the choir has commissioned more than 40 cantatas from composers living in Latvia and abroad. This is their sixth Christmas album and once again it brings us a fresh fragrance of this season and is a striking addition to the already existing bouquet.
Youth Choir “Balsis” |
Chamber Choir Fortius |
Childrens' Choir Sono |
New York Latvian Concert Choir |
Latvian National Opera Chamber Orchestra |
| Laila Liepiņa Southard, soprano (1, 3, 6, 8, 20) |
| Elina Seile, mezzo-soprano (4, 6) |
| Nauris Indzeris, baritone (3, 13, 15, 18) |
|
Laura Padega Zamura, Andrejs Jansons, conductors |
Valdis Zilveris |
| Starlit Christmas | 18:22 |
1 | I. | In Bethlehem | 3:17 |
2 | II. | Returning from Church on Christmas Eve | 5:30 |
3 | III. | Christmas Bells | 3:40 |
4 | IV. | Silent Night | 5:55 |
| Laura Padega Zamura, conductor |
Ingmars Zemzaris |
| Immanuel, O God Most High | 17:16 |
5 | I. | Immanuel, O God Most High | 3:59 |
6 | II. | Morning Star | 3:20 |
7 | III. | We Sing High Praises | 0:45 |
8 | IV. | The Light of Heaven Has Descended | 1:15 |
9 | V. | Glory to God in the Highest | 2:01 |
10 | VI. | And Peace on Earth | 4:00 |
11 | VII. | Now Try to Grow in Love | 1:56 |
| Andrejs Jansons, conductor |
Ilona Rupaine |
| Our Lady's Lily Garden | 24:25 |
12 | I. | Day is Drawing to a Close | 2:33 |
13 | II. | Snow is Coming | 4:40 |
14 | III. | Our Lady's Lily Garden | 4:24 |
15 | IV. | Christmas Eve | 3:15 |
16 | V. | Judobrū | 3:32 |
17 | VI. | Behind the Hill the Moon Appeared | 2:52 |
18 | VII. | The Cangle in the Wreath | 3:09 |
| Andrejs Jansons, conductor |
Kārlis Lācis |
| Christmas Cantata | 13:14 |
19 | I. | Thoughts Appear Like Moths | 5:04 |
20 | II. | Yes, I See the Lamb Dashing Away | 4:01 |
21 | III. | That Day | 4:09 |
| Andrejs Jansons, conductor |
Order
or from our distributor, Albany Records