Immerse yourself in the profound and sacred choral works of Ēriks Ešenvalds with his captivating album "St. Luke Passion & Other Sacred Works." Released on May 13, 2016, under the Ondine label, this album is a testament to Ešenvalds' mastery of choral composition, offering a deeply moving and spiritually uplifting experience.
The centerpiece of the album is the "St. Luke Passion," a powerful and evocative retelling of the Passion of Christ, divided into eight distinct movements. Each movement is a masterclass in choral writing, showcasing Ešenvalds' ability to convey deep emotion and spiritual depth through music. From the haunting "Crucify Him, They All Cried" to the poignant "Father, Forgive Them, for They Know Not What They Do," this work is a journey through the final moments of Christ's life, told through the lens of the Gospel of Luke.
Beyond the "St. Luke Passion," the album also features other sacred works that highlight Ešenvalds' versatility and depth as a composer. "A Drop in the Ocean" and "The First Tears" are particularly noteworthy, offering moments of reflection and contemplation that complement the more dramatic passages of the Passion.
With a duration of just over an hour and eight minutes, this album is a substantial and rewarding listen, perfect for those seeking a deeper connection with sacred choral music. Ešenvalds' compositions are performed with precision and passion, making this album a standout in the choral genre. Whether you are a longtime fan of choral music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, "St. Luke Passion & Other Sacred Works" is an album 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