Latvian Radio Choir, Sigvards Klava

A wonderful “concert version” of the revered Komitas Divine Liturgy! Here the great Komitas work is transformed into a “concert mass” in the first-ever recording of this appealing mixed choir version. This version for mixed choir was beautifully arranged and edited by the brilliant Armenian composer Vache Sharafyan. In his arrangement, the added colors of female voices increase the beauty of the work. This version is also “concert length,” which means that it is appropriately shorter — and more accessible — than the original. The Latvian Radio Choir, under its remarkable conductor Sigvards Klava, is a unique, award-winning ensemble called “One of the world’s greatest choirs” by The Advertiser and “A great musical power” by the Washington Post. The accompanying booklet offers much interesting commentary, Komitas’ own autobiography, Armenian texts and transliterations, and translations into English.

"Liturgia on alun perin sommiteltu armenialaiselle mieskuorolle, mutta Vache Sharafjan on laatinut siitä konserttiversion sekakuorolle. Se toimii Sigvards Klavan johtaman Latvian radiokuoron levyllä erinomaisesti. Kaikki asianosaiset ovat omistautuneet teosharvinaisuuden pelastamiselle, ja lopputulos säteilee vahvaa hengen paloa." - Antti Häyrynen, Rondo 9/2020.