Rihards Dubra: Music for Organ

LMIC 168

In Rihards Dubra’s [*1964] creative works, the organ is a respected instrument. It can be heard in expanded vocal instrumental works – cantatas, oratorios; it collaborates in chamber ensembles of various compositions – both in instrumental and vocal instrumental ensembles. The organ is an essential element of church music – that is confirmed by the many works of the Mass genre, both for choir singing during the service, as well as works to be performed during concerts. And, of course, works for solo organ, which have been collected on this album.

The composer’s interest in the organ began in his childhood, listening to the sound of the organ in church. Later, this interest grew and transformed into a much closer relationship between the composer and the instrument: the time when Dubra himself became the church organist at the Riga Our Lady of Sorrows Church. To be the church organist – the musician serves the liturgy, singing, and instrumental music expressing prayer in his own, the congregation’s and the universal church’s name. To be the church organist – it is to experience all the liturgical seasons of the church year, various celebrations and services, and both audible and silent prayer. Through this experience, in the 1990s, Dubra expanded his creative work to include genres that would be significant in the composer’s further journey – masses, sacred choir songs, as well as expanded organ compositions with a religious theme, such as the works included on this album.

Ieva Rozenbaha