Unpublished choral songs by Pēteris Plakids performed by the Latvian Radio Choir have been released

The national record company “Skani” has released the album “Eternity”, which brings together lesser-known and previously unrecorded composer Peter Plakid a cappella choral songs. The album was recorded by the Latvian Radio Choir under the direction of its chief conductor and artistic director Sigvards Kļava, the publishers informed.

Musicologist Jānis Torgāns wrote 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, pointed out the topicality of this music and album:

“Although Plakid’s music is very much loved and played a lot, this is the composer’s first full-length choral music 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.

According to the publishers, the theme of the title song “Mūžība” is present throughout the album, especially in choral songs such as “Teiksma” and the small requiem “In memoriam”.

This is the seventh Latvian choral music album recorded by the Latvian Radio Choir, released by “Skani”. The album “Eternity” was recorded during the pandemic, in March 2021, in Riga St. John’s Church.

Sound directors of the album – Agnese Streļča and Sigvards Kļava, author of the annotation – musicologist Jānis Torgāns, publicity photo – Jānis Deinats, Jānis Porietis and Daina Geidmane. The album was designed by Gundega Kalendra.

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