Advent. Bach and Vaughan Williams

Participants:
Etīna Emīlija Saulīte (soprano)
Reinis Tomiņš (percussion)
Līga Ivāne (organ)

Programme: J. S. Bach, R. V. Williams, J. E. West

This program will bring together two distinct musical worlds – the timeless grandeur of Johann Sebastian Bach and the vivid imagery, pastoral moods, and exquisite melodicism of 20th -century British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. Vaughan Williams, known as a national symphonist and passionate folklorist, drew inspiration from writers and poets such as Shakespeare, William Blake, and Walt Whitman. His Five Mystical Songs cycle, rich in contemplation, dialogue with love, praise of God, and a stunning musical language, perfectly embodies his artistic ethos. Meanwhile, his Three Vocalises, often referred to as the composer’s “swan song,” present a unique virtuosity challenge for vocalists.

Soprano Etīna Emīlija Saulīte shares her perspective:
 "I have been familiar with Ralph Vaughan Williams’ music for a long time, and it is very dear to me. His works have an extraordinary ability to evoke vivid landscapes and emotions, which, in my opinion, are perfectly suited for the time before Christmas. On this occasion, Vaughan Williams’ pieces will be performed in unconventional arrangements, blending the timbres of soprano, organ, and marimba."

The noble joy of Bach’s music will be celebrated through his organ compositions, while the composer’s lyrical intimacy will shine in transcriptions for marimba. John Ebenezer West’s Fantasy on Two Christmas Carols will showcase the interplay of classical and folk melodies, while Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Greensleeves will offer a serene reflection on the timeless magic of winter.

In this concert, Bach’s magnificence meets Vaughan Williams’ delicate lyricism, creating an artistic experience that invites listeners to open their hearts to peaceful contemplation during the Advent season.