Dalia Dedinskaite (violin) and Gleb Pysniak (cello) are a powerhouse duo. And they know this music well. They're from Lithuania and intuitively understand the Baltic aesthetic.
On this release, they're joined by the Vilnius Municipal Choir JAUNA MUZIKA, directed by Vaclovas Augustinas. (Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania if you didn't know.)
One of the standout works on this album of masterpieces is "Ave Maria." it's set by Lithuanian composer Jurgis Juozapaitis. Soloists, choir, conductor, and composer are all in sync. It's a luminous work highlighted by string obbligottos.
Estonian composer Arvo Part is internationally known. Some consider him one of the founders of this ethereal, clouds-of-sound choral writing. But actually, British composer John Tavener came first. His interest in Eastern Orthodox hymnody laid the foundation. Both composers are represented in this release.
The album also includes music by Latvian Peteris Vasks and Norwegian Ola Gjeilo. They're among the most-performed and most-recorded choral composers today.
The choir has a warm, transparent sound. There's enough room ambiance to give the voices a soft focus, but not enough to muddy the sound. It's the perfect sound for these compositions. And Dedinskaite and Pysniak are at the top of their games.
The album concludes with a heart-rending version of "The High Pass: Melody." Myroslav Skyork's tune has become the symbol of Ukrainian resistance. This version for choir and strings is gorgeous, yet full of melancholy. Not to be missed.
Baltic Prayer
Dalia Dedinskaite, violin; Gleb Pysniak, cello
Vinius Municipal Choir JAUNA MUZIKA, Vaclovas Augustinas, conductor
Stradivarius STR 37322
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