Description:

Latvian-born Esenwals (1977-) is known as one of the finest choral music composers of our time. His works are very precise and complex. He divides the choir into eight or sixteen parts and weaves magnificent harmonies using extended tonalities. This album contains four pieces: "Rivers of Light," a song about the beauty of nature; "A Drop in the Ocean," "Passion and Resurrection," a song about religious themes; and "The First Tear," based on a Native American legend. The powerful beauty of "The First Tear," with its skillful use of traditional Inuit instruments, and the astonishing vocal virtuosity of "Passion and Resurrection" are nothing short of amazing. Recorded in 2016 by Portland State Chamber Choir/Ethan Sperry (conductor) and others.