Senās mūzikas festivāls. Latvijas Radio koris. Gregoriskie dziedājumi

Latvian Radio Choir
Simone van der Doelen, conductor
Music from Gregorian chants

The single-voice Gregorian chants and the masterful multi-voice and harmonic songs from the British Renaissance represent music that will be presented for the first time in Latvia together with the Latvian Radio Choir and conductor Pēteris Vaickovskis.  The repertoire has been chosen by Simone van den Dool from Germany, who specialises in Medieval church music.  The programme is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and it includes short single-voice prayers and hymns for men, women and solo voices.  These have been known as part of the European Catholic literature and the spiritual life of cloisters since the 9^th and 10^th century.

In contrast to the reticent Gregorian chants of Europe, resounding and juicy multi-voice compositions came from British composers who worked at the Eton College that was founded by King Henry VI in the 15^th century.  Between 500 and 1505, a special book of choir songs was established at Eton.  This is a manuscript of 15^th century sacral music from England, and it includes opuses by 24 composers.  Many of the motets have been lost, but those that have been fully or partly restored reveal the high level of mastery that 15^th century vocalists and composers had in terms of polyphonic music.  Three of the motets in the Eton collection are dedicated to praising the Virgin Mary and have recognisable quotes from Gregorian chants.  This is a very colourful concert programme that is devoted to Gregorian music in Europe.