Ivanovs was a pioneer of the so-called 'harsh style in Latvian music (it perhaps came first through poetry and art) which allowed for experimental use of poly- and atonality, clanking piano parts in the orchestra and even jazz-like percussion. And yet at the same time the composer was also writing some of the small a cappella pieces that would eventually effect a transition to late romantic manner. Autumn Song. sung here with refreshing simplicity, set the standart for a whole range of unaccompanied pieces, which seemed to bypass the more ideological orchestral work and reflect folk wisdom and everyday concerns. For those of us who find the middle symphonies the most exciting of this works this might secm like middleweight Ivanovs; they're attractively done, but too obviously transitional for greatness.
★★★
BRIAN MORTON
Choir&Organ magazine
