When you, as a reviewer, have been waiting for the release of a certain piece of music, you know how special it is; and if, then, the recording meets your expectations, it generally shoots to the top of your Desert Island discs. Such was the case for me with Pēteris Vasks’s Plainscapes…This is absolutely magnificent music, deceptively plain and simple in construction but deeply profound in feeling and meaning. Moreover, I was delighted to discover that the other choral works on this CD were equal in quality, and the performances of the Latvian Radio Chorus are mesmerizing. I would go so far as to say that this disc is a must for any lover of fine music. © 2012 Fanfare Read complete review

First impressions are promising, this mixed chorus singing with a cool, far-reaching purity…

Three of the four miniatures that make up the Silent Songs are by Knuts Skujenieks…The poems are gnomic, and the slow, rarefied vocal writing is both stoic and deeply affecting. Choral discipline and blend—so vital in music of sustained loveliness—are superb. Even in this frigid landscape beauty still blossoms; ‘sleep, sleep’ is soft and plangent, ‘three forests’ icily brilliant. What a range of emotion lurks behind these notes, and how well this choir articulates them.

…Our Mother’s Names…has its aptly soaring moments. Stylistically the piece veers between gathering strength and a sighing contentment, the spaces in between filled with bird calls. It’s most unusual, and mesmeric too. Vasks continues the feminine theme with Sad Mother, by the Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral…Written for women’s voices it’s a heart-piercing lullaby blessed with a wonderful line and framed with great feeling.

This is a captivating CD…As for this chorus and their chief conductor they do the composer proud; the Ondine engineers do well too. This quality package is enhanced by that interview with the composer, which offers many valuable insights and interesting asides. © 2012 MusicWeb International Read complete review

This is the premiere recording of Plainscapes, and in my opinion it is long overdue.

For those who have never heard it, Plainscapes is music to calm a tortured and weary soul, whether returning from a battle in war or the daily grind of a soul-killing job. When the Seattle Players performed it, they presented the scenario of someone sitting on a bus going home, but instead of having the tortures of the day go through her mind, you heard this slow, hypnotic, soft choral piece, accompanied by violin and cello.

Although not all the other pieces in this collection are as calming and spiritual in feeling as Plainscapes, all are beautifully crafted and endlessly fascinating.

This is music of an almost unearthly beauty, largely tonal and immensely likeable. The highest compliment I can pay the Latvian Radio Chorus is that it has an extraordinary blend as well as an obvious love and enthusiasm for this music. Its commitment shines through in every note. © 2012 Fanfare Read complete review on Fanfare