Credits:

Kenins, Talivaldis (1919-2008)

Description:

This album presents the works of the little-known Latvian composer Tarivaldis Keninš (1919-2008), performed by musicians from his homeland. Keninš was born in Latvia in 1919 and studied in Paris under Messiaen and Tony Aubin. After winning several prizes as a composer, he immigrated to Canada in 1951 and devoted himself to the country's musical development as an educator. Although he wrote many works, including symphonies and concertos, he himself believed that chamber music was the highest form of art. The "Chamber Concerto No. 1" on this album is an excellent work that is full of Keninsh's love of chamber music and has a Bartók-like atmosphere. The Piano Concerto was written shortly after Keninš left his native country in exile in the 1940s and returned to Latvia in 1990. It has a tense atmosphere that seems to reflect the ongoing turmoil in his homeland. The piano plays a major role in both pieces, and the Symphony No. 1, composed in 1959, is an expressive work with elements of Latvian folk music. Naxos Japan

Tracklisting:

1.Concerto di camera No. 1 for piano and chamber ensemble (flute, clarinet and string quintet/small orchestra)~I. Moderato con moto
2.Concerto di camera No. 1 for piano and chamber ensemble (flute, clarinet and string quintet/small orchestra)~II. Lento cantabile
3.Concerto di camera No. 1 for piano and chamber ensemble (flute, clarinet and string quintet/small orchestra)~III. Vivo e marcato
4.Concerto for Piano with string orchestra and percussion~I. Molto vivace
5.Concerto for Piano with string orchestra and percussion~II. Largo quasi una Passacaglia
6.Concerto for Piano with string orchestra and percussion~III. Presto - Prestissimo
7.Symphony No. 1~I. Moderato ma non troppo
8.Symphony No. 1~II. Largo e sostenuto
9.Symphony No. 1~III. Allegro molto