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Christmas Hope

Donald Macleod discovers how singing has helped sustain Latvia’s population in the face of oppression, and how Latvian composers have been inspired by messages of hope 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, and where singing is part of the national identity. Today, Donald discovers how music and singing has helped sustain Latvia’s population in the face of oppression, and how Latvian composers have been inspired by hope – for the coming of Christ in the Christmas story, and for peace on earth at Christmas time.

Praulinš: Mass and Interludes “L'homme armé”: Hosanna in excelsis
Uģis Prauliņš, synthesiser
Jānis Pelše, organ
Kaspars Majors, sackbut
Vairis Nartišs, sackbut
Ars Antiqua Riga ,directed by Pēteris Vaickovskis

Ešenvalds: O Emmanuel
Choir of Trinity College Cambridge, directed by Stephen Layton

Vitols: Gaismas Pils / Castle of Light
Massed choirs of the Latvian Song and Dance Festival.

Praulinš: Mass and Interludes “L'homme armé”: Pater sanctificetur
Uģis Prauliņš synthesiser
Jānis Pelše, organ
Kaspars Majors, sackbut
Vairis Nartišs, sackbut
Ars Antiqua Riga, directed by Pēteris Vaickovskis,

Vasks: String Quartet No. 3: I. Moderato
Spīķeru String Quartet

Ešenvalds A Christmas Legend / Ziemassvētku leģenda
Renārs Kaupers, singer
Jānis Apeinis, singer
Valdis Muktupāvels, singer
Rihards Zaļupe, percussionist
Kamēr Youth Choir, conducted by Māris Sirmais

Produced for ѿý Audio, Wales by Chris Taylor

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59 minutes

Last on

Fri 27 Dec 2024 16:00

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Music Played

  • Ugis Praulins

    Mass and Interludes L'homme arme (Hosanna in excelsis)

    Performer: Ugis Praulins. Performer: Jānis Pelše. Performer: Kaspars Majors. Performer: Vairis Nartišs. Ensemble: Ars Antiqua Riga. Director: Pēteris Vaickovskis.
    • SKANI : LMIC142.
    • SKANI.
    • 9.
  • Ēriks Ešenvalds

    O Emmanuel

    Choir: The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge. Conductor: Stephen Layton.
    • Hyperion : CDA-68083.
    • HYPERION.
    • 13.
  • Jazeps Vitols

    Gaismas Pils (The Castle of Light )

    Choir: Latvian Song Festival Massed Chorus.
    • RIGA RECORDING STUDIOS :.
    • RIGA RECORDING STUDIOS.
    • 4.
  • Ugis Praulins

    Mass and Interludes L'homme arme (Pater sanctificetur & Trouvere)

    Performer: Ugis Praulins. Performer: Jānis Pelše. Performer: Kaspars Majors. Performer: Vairis Nartišs. Ensemble: Ars Antiqua Riga. Director: Pēteris Vaickovskis.
    • SKANI : LMIC142.
    • SKANI.
    • 17.
  • Peteris Vasks

    String Quartet No 3 (1st mvt)

    Ensemble: Spīķeru String Quartet.
    • WERGO : WER73302.
    • WERGO.
    • 9.
  • Ēriks Ešenvalds

    A Christmas Legend

    Performer: Renārs Kaupers. Performer: Jānis Apeinis. Performer: Valdis Muktupāvels. Performer: Rihards Zaļupe. Choir: Kamer Youth Choir. Conductor: Maris Sirmais.
    • KAMER : AW5017796.
    • KAMER.
    • 7.

Broadcast

  • Fri 27 Dec 2024 16:00

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