Kremerata Lettonica - Homage to Tālivaldis Ķeniņš (2026) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. Aria per corde
02. Concertino barocco “Omaggio a J. S. Bach”: I. Maestoso. Vivace quasi presto
03. Concertino barocco “Omaggio a J. S. Bach”: II. Adagio
04. Concertino barocco “Omaggio a J. S. Bach”: III. Molto animato
05. Cello Sonata: IV. Allegro molto e con brio
06. Piano Quartet No. 1: I. Moderato e espressivo
07. Piano Quartet No. 1: II. Largo sostenuto
08. Piano Quartet No. 1: III. Vivace e marcato
09. Concerto for Violin, Cello & Strings: II. Lento assai
10. Reflections on a Theme by Imants Zemzaris “Colloquens patriae”
11. Latviešu danči un dziesmas
12. Piano Quintet: I. Adagietto amabile
13. Piano Quintet: II. Vivacissimo
14. Piano Quintet: III. Lento
15. Piano Quintet: IV. Agitato. Doppio movimento
16. Piano Quintet: V. Epilogo. Andante tranquillo

Tālivaldis Ķeniņš was one of Latvia’s most distinguished composers, renowned for his technical mastery, strong sense of form, and a style that combined Baroque and Neo-Romantic influences. Born in Latvia, educated in France, and based in Canada after the Second World War, he became one of Canada’s most frequently performed composers.

A longtime member of the University of Toronto Faculty of Music, he was appointed professor in 1973 and played a significant role in Canadian musical life through teaching, broadcasting, adjudication, and leadership within the Canadian League of Composers. Ķeniņš’s extensive output includes eight symphonies, numerous concertos, chamber works, and compositions for piano and organ, alongside vocal and choral music, cantatas, and an oratorio. Although his music has sometimes been described as overly intellectual or restrained, such views overlook its distinctive expressive depth and metaphysical beauty.

This selection of works, curated by the musicians of Kremerata Baltica, reveals the originality, richness, and artistry that define Ķeniņš’s unique musical voice. This album offers a glimpse into the entire creative journey of Tālivaldis Ķeniņš, from one of his earliest works (Sonata for Cello and Piano, 1950) to one of his last (Quintet for Piano and Strings, 1994).