
Christmas Mysteries
Donald Macleod explores how Latvian composers have engaged with the magic and mystery at the heart of the Christmas story, and discovers what Latvians like to eat at Christmas.
Donald Macleod visits the city of Riga to experience the seasonal music and Christmas traditions of Latvia – a country overflowing with choral excellence. Today, he visits Riga’s central food market to discover what special dishes Latvians like to serve at Christmas Time, and he explores how different composers have engaged with the magic and mystery at the heart of the Christmas story.
Pēteris Butāns: In the Beginning was the Word
State Choir of Latvija, conducted by Māris Sirmais
Praulinš: Missa Rigensis: Credo
I Vocalisti, conducted by Hans-Joachim Lustig
Dubra: Mystery of His Birth
Ēriks Kiršfelds, cello
Liepāja Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Atvars Lakstīgala
Vasks: The Fruits Of Silence
Vestards Šimkus, piano
Latvian Radio Choir, conducted by Sigvards Klava,
anon.: Gaude Maria
Schola Cantorum Riga, directed by Guntars Prānis
Dubra: Hail, Queen of Heaven
State Choir of Latvia, conducted by Māris Sirmais
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Music Played
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Pēteris Butāns
In the Beginning was the Word
Choir: Latvian State Academic Choir. Conductor: Maris Sirmais.- VAK-0801.
- VAK.
- 7.
-
Ugis Praulins
Missa Rigensis (Credo; Deum de Deo)
Choir: I Vocalisti. Director: Hans-Joachim Lustig.- RONDEAU : ROP-6039.
- RONDEAU.
- 5.
-
Peteris Vasks
Silent Songs (No 2, Sleep Sleep)
Choir: Latvian Radio Choir. Director: Sigvards Kļava.- VASKS: PLAINSCAPES.
- ONDINE.
- 2.
-
Rihards Dubra
Mystery of His Birth
Performer: Ēriks Kiršfelds. Orchestra: Liepāja Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Atvars Lakstīgala.- SKANI : LMIC080.
- SKANI.
- 4.
-
Peteris Vasks
The Fruit of Silence
Performer: Vestards Šimkus. Choir: Latvian Radio Chorus. Director: Sigvards Kļava.- SKANI : LMIC039.
- SKANI.
- 7.
-
Anon.
Gaude Maria
Choir: Schola Cantorum Riga.- SKANI : LMIC085.
- SKANI.
- 14.
-
Rihards Dubra
Hail Queen of Heaven
Choir: Latvian State Academic Choir. Conductor: Maris Sirmais.- VAK-0801.
- VAK.
- 6.
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- Christmas Eve 2024 16:00ѿý Radio 3
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