Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, Guntis Kuzma
Release Date: 19 August 2022
Label: Skani
Packaging Type: Digipak
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 4751025441113
Genres: Classical Orchestral
Description
Janis Ivanovs' (1906–1983) Symphonies Nos 17 & 18 continue the series by most the prominent Latvian orchestra on Skani label. These timeless works see their world premiere release in this 2022 studio recording. Available previously only as broadcast copies and ageing LP records from the 70s and 80s, these timeless pieces by perhaps the most talented Latvian symphonic composer are now available to a wider audience.
The previous album of Janis Ivanovs' symphonic music (LMIC/SKANI 126, 2021) included his Symphonies No. 15 and 16. The CD concluded with the rich and resounding final E-flat major chord. There is a sense that the author uses this tutti chord to draw a clear boundary in his creative work. Beyond this boundary remains the central portion of his creative work – opuses full of dramatic conflict (mainly composed in the 1960s), which are characterised by constant battles, conflicts, collisions, gains and losses. Now, with a final chord that expresses a complete break from his previous life, Ivanovs sees this as a generous, rich autumn, which is brightened by brilliant rays of sunlight. It is like a life that has been bitter, but not in vain. Pride and satisfaction with this life. The apotheosis of a life.
"A fabulous release: this is music that is often disturbing, but incredibly rewarding." - Classial Explorer
"once again the result is stunning across the board! Conductor Guntis Kuzma and the Latvian National Orchestra have an unmistakable feeling for the muted colours of this music, painted as it were with sand and earth, which does not sway in any particular direction, neither in the socialist-realist nor in the national-romantic direction, nor as is often the case with Shostakovich, in the sarcastic direction. […] The readings of the Latvian musicians are, in the truest sense of the word, authentic." - FONO FORUM
Tracklisting
Latvian Radio Choir, Sigvards Klava
Various Artists
Liepaja Symphony Orchestra
Liepaja Symphony Orchestra, Atvars Lakstigala
Various Artists
Latvian Radio Choir
Latvian National Symphony Orchestra / Normunds Sne, Deutsche Radio Philharmonic Saarbruken-Kaiserslautern / Karel Mark Chicon and Silesian String Quartet
Egils Silin?s and Maris Skuja
Latvian National Symphony Orchestra & Guntis Kuzma
