The national record company “SKANi” has released the album “Eternity”, which contains lesser-known and previously unrecorded composer Pēteris Plakids a cappella choral songs. The album was recorded by the Latvian Radio Choir, led by its principal conductor and artistic director Sigvards Kļava, the company informed.
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Musicologist Jānis Torgāns writes in the annotation of the album: “Pēteris Plakidis (1947–2017) is – and will be – one of the most important composers for Latvian culture. He looks at life with a sharp, visible view, echoes in music firmly, strictly, actively, inhabits the spirit of the people (composition, pedagogy, performing arts, theater and cinema) seemingly obedient, imperceptible, so firm and unappealable. To stay. ”
Sigvards Kļava, the artistic director and conductor of the Latvian Radio Choir, points out the topicality of this music and album: Previously, Plakid’s only large-scale work for the choir was “Fate”, but now for the first time the wider audience will also hear such outstanding (cyclical) compositions as “Div’s Burmese Songs” and “Fatamorgana”. Plakid choral music is characterized by mastery of texture, excellent knowledge of choral possibilities and excellent musical taste. This music is “fresh” and topical.
Another special discovery is the choral song “Izkapts ābelē” written in 1968 with the text of Māris Čakls, which has been in the composer’s desk drawer for many years. Pēteris Plakidis was also a composer who created his diverse musical expression in choir works, inspired by prominent Latvian poets. Among the authors of his choral lyrics are Jānis Rainis, Zinaīda Lazda, Vizma Belševica, Knuts Skujenieks, Jānis Peters, Jānis Jaunsudrabiņš, Broņislava Martuževa and others.
The theme of the title song “Mūžība” is present throughout the album, especially in such choral songs as “Teiksma” and in the small requiem “In memoriam”.
The album “Eternity” will be available from September 3 at record sales in Latvia and around the world, as well as on the most popular music download and streaming platforms.
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