DCD34052-CD

Songs of the Baltic Sea

East meets West, as two great singing traditions are brought together to thrilling effect. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union the three Baltic states have emerged as powerhouses of choral innovation and imagination. The National Youth Choir of Great Britain brings all its customary fervour and virtuosity to bear on this programme of recent works from three of Europe’s smallest, yet musically richest, countries. Pēteris Plakidis’s ‘symphony for choir’ Nolemtība (Destiny) and Galina Grigorjeva’s Svjatki (Holy Days), a Russian-style choir concerto, are supplemented by shorter pieces by Vaclovas Augustinas and Mindaugas Urbaitis, and by a specially commissioned work by English choral composer and Baltic specialist Gabriel Jackson, who also contributes the informative booklet essay.

"Baltic repertoire is hot in choral circles at present, so this CD will find a ready specialist audience...Gabriel Jackson's Cantus Maris Baltici celebrates the sea in swirlingly ebullient writing which tests the virtuosity of the excellent National Youth Choir close to its limits. They are not found wanting."

"Mike Brewer's intrepid young choristers are on glowingly excellent form throughout. Hats off to them for tackling such stimulating and little-known repertory with gusto and obvious enjoyment...An outstanding disc which emphasises how fortunate the NYCGB is to have Brewer's drive and energy."

"The virtuosic NYCGB and top choral trainer Mike Brewer revel in the rich cluster-harmonies and religious colours of native Baltic works alongside Cantus Maris Baltici by the UK's Gabriel Jackson. Essential for choral fans"

"Delphian Records continue to set benchmarks for choral music on disc. The deal is sealed by the work of heroic young singers, mature and accomplished beyond their years, performing heartfelt, fascinating compositions"

Release Date: 24 October 2011
Catalogue No: DCD34052
Total playing time: 1:16:59
 
Recorded on 26 August 2010 in Merton College Chapel, Oxford; 28 August 2008 in Lancing College Chapel; 14-15 April 2010 in the Church of St Alban the Martyr, London
 
Producer & Engineer: Paul Baxter
24-bit digital editing: Adam Binks
24-bit digital mastering: Paul Baxter
 
Design: Drew Padrutt
Booklet editor: Henry Howard
 
 

Album Booklet

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