‘On the evidence of this recording, [Jančevskis] has found subtle and authentic ways of furthering the distinctive sound of Latvian choral music established in the last century … few more beautiful realisations of Latvia’s choral language have come my way in the past decade … one wonders where that Latvian sound can go and what events will shape it. There’s plenty of time for Jančevskis, still in his twenties, to think on that’ (Gramophone)
‘From haunting stillness to exquisite plangency, the Latvian Jančevskis's choral music captivates with its sheer intensity. It is superbly sung here by the highly polished Riga Cathedral Choir’ (BBC Music Magazine)
‘I think it's wonderful music; it's definitely in this Latvian tradition … [Jančevskis is] going absolutely the right way’ (BBC Record Review)
‘Latvian composer Jēkabs Jančevskis may well prove to be the next big thing in the fickle world of choral singing. His music has all the ingredients mixed choirs love so much; wonderfully warm and opulent choral textures, oodles of atmosphere, luminous clusters, powerful musical imagery, and a whole host of vocal and non-vocal effects to keep even the most world-weary choral singer engrossed … this is certainly a truly brilliant exhibition of outstanding choral singing, enhanced by a luscious recorded sound … by far and away the most powerful message I take away from this disc is of an imaginative composer with something worthwhile to say beyond the mere meaning of the texts he sets, and the means of saying it in a hugely arresting manner’ (MusicWeb International)
» More‘The singing of this splendid group, a new addition to Hyperion’s already enviable roster of vocal ensembles, is crystalline and heartfelt. The Riga choir can seemingly do symphonically loud and chamber intimate with their eyes shut. They have been superbly prepared by Jurģis Cābulis and Hyperion’s sound is all that could be desired. The composer’s own notes are pithy and interesting, and texts and translations are present and correct. More please!!’ (MusicWeb International)
