Dive into the profound and evocative world of Ēriks Ešenvalds with his compelling album "St. Luke Passion & Other Sacred Works." Released on May 13, 2016, under the esteemed Ondine label, this choral masterpiece is a testament to Ešenvalds' unique compositional voice and his ability to blend traditional sacred themes with contemporary musical sensibilities. The centerpiece of the album is the "St. Luke Passion," a 30-minute work completed in 2014, which is divided into eight powerful movements. Each movement is a journey through the Passion narrative, from the haunting "Crucify Him, They All Cried" to the poignant "Father, Forgive Them, for They Know Not What They Do."
The album features the Latvian Radio Choir and Sinfonietta Riga, conducted by Sigvards Kļava, delivering a performance that has captivated critics and audiences alike. Ešenvalds' compositions are known for their intricate textures and ethereal qualities, and this album is no exception. The sacred works included, such as "A Drop in the Ocean" and "The Heaven Litany," further showcase Ešenvalds' ability to create music that is both deeply spiritual and universally resonant.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 8 minutes, this album is a rich and rewarding listen, perfect for those who appreciate the depth and beauty of choral music. Whether you are a longtime fan of Ēriks Ešenvalds or new to his work, "St. Luke Passion & Other Sacred Works" offers a profound and moving experience that will leave a lasting impression.
2016 Ondine2016 Ondine
Tracks
St. Luke Passion: I. Crucify Him, They All CriedĒriks Ešenvalds, Jānis Kurševs, Latvian Radio Choir, Sinfonietta Riga, Sigvards Kļava
St. Luke Passion: II. Behold the Timber of the Cross Is a Carpenter's WorkĒriks Ešenvalds, Ieva Parša, Latvian Radio Choir, Sinfonietta Riga, Sigvards Kļava
St. Luke Passion: III. And There Followed Him a Great Company of PeopleĒriks Ešenvalds, Jānis Kurševs, Latvian Radio Choir, Sinfonietta Riga, Sigvards Kļava
St. Luke Passion: IV. Shema Yisrael, Adonai EloheinuĒriks Ešenvalds, Ieva Parša, Latvian Radio Choir, Sinfonietta Riga, Sigvards Kļava
St. Luke Passion: V. Father, Forgive Them, for They Know Not What They DoĒriks Ešenvalds, Ieva Parša, Jānis Kurševs, Latvian Radio Choir, Sinfonietta Riga, Sigvards Kļava
St. Luke Passion: VI. And They Parted His Raiment, and Cast LotsĒriks Ešenvalds, Ieva Parša, Jānis Kurševs, Daumants Kalniņš, Latvian Radio Choir, Sinfonietta Riga, Sigvards Kļava
St. Luke Passion: VII. And the Soldiers Mocked Him, Offering Him VinegarĒriks Ešenvalds, Ieva Parša, Jānis Kurševs, Latvian Radio Choir, Sinfonietta Riga, Sigvards Kļava
St. Luke Passion: VIII. Does That Lamp Still Burn in My Father's HouseĒriks Ešenvalds, Ieva Parša, Jānis Kurševs, Daumants Kalniņš, Latvian Radio Choir, Sinfonietta Riga, Sigvards Kļava
A Drop in the OceanĒriks Ešenvalds, Ieva Ezeriete, Līga Paegle, Latvian Radio Choir, Sinfonietta Riga, Sigvards Kļava
The First TearsĒriks Ešenvalds, Aleksandrs Maijers, Inga Martinsone, Kristīne Barkovska, Inita Vindava, Rūdolfs Bērtiņš, Kārlis Rūtentāls, Normunds Ķirsis, Janis Kokins, Ferijs Millers, Latvian Radio Choir, Sigvards Kļava
The Heaven LitanyĒriks Ešenvalds, Latvian Radio Choir, Sinfonietta Riga, Sigvards Kļava