

OD 1354
Keninš: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 6 & Canzona sonata
Label Catalogue Number:
ODE1354-2
ODE1354-2
Running Time: 00:52:40
Release Date: May 2021
Originally recorded in 2020
Originally recorded in 2020
Genre:
Classical
Orchestral & Concertos
Classical
Orchestral & Concertos
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About
The first album of orchestral works by one of Latvia’s most prominent composers, Talivaldis Keninš (1919–2008), released in October 2020 has received a warm response from music critics around the world. This second volume by the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra under conductor Guntis Kuzma includes two symphonies from the 1970s alongside another concertante gem, Canzona Sonata for viola and string orchestra. Although born in Latvia, Keninš lived most of his life as an exile. He was educated in Paris, where he studied under Tony Aubin and Olivier Messiaen, and won several awards. Keninš emigrated to Canada in 1951 and became a respected pedagogue and a very influential figure in Canada’s music life. Alongside his pedagogic work he wrote a sizeable catalogue of works, including several symphonies and concertos. At first Keninš focused on writing works of chamber music and completed his first symphony relatively late, in 1959. During the 1970s and 80s, Keninš wrote several symphonies more becoming a major symphonist. The two symphonies included in this volume are compact orchestral scores from the 1970s. Symphony No. 4 is rich with its fine French orchestral textures, while Symphony No. 6 is an impressive symphonic work based on a fugue theme. The expressive Canzona Sonata for viola and string orchestra written in 1986 is a relatively late work and a wonderful example of the composer’s skills in writing concertante music.
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Reviews
“… I’m glad that Ondine is giving Kenins’s music the attention that it deserves. This is a great selection of works that show his compositional range. Great performances and sound all around.”
Nathan Faro – American Record Guide – September/October 2021
“… These well-prepared, deep-feeling performances breathe life rather than simply preserving, which is no less than the music deserves.”
Andrew Mellor – Gramophone magazine – July 2021
“… No 4 is probably the most performed of all the symphonies – and very impressive it is – but No 6 is at least its equal; I have found myself returning to it several times. Keninš’ love of counterpoint, and especially his devotion to the fugues of Bach, are evident throughout the single-movement (but four part) work. There are passages of intense beauty, and a mystical sense pervades much of the piece. The Canzona Sonata is also a work of distinctive beauty, though with some fiery passages. The viola often soars above the string orchestra, and the warmth of the instrument is deeply affecting. Performances are committed and lovely, in clear but suitably warm sound.”
Michael Wilkinson – MusicWeb-International.com – 5 July 2021
“… the Canzona Sonata for viola and string orchestra is simpler [than Symphonies 4 & 6] but still quite demanding of the soloist. The viola's autumnal tone lends a delightfully nostalgic hue to this lovely short piece which – for all its straightforwardness – displays Keninš' hallmarks that one has come to admire in his most substantial works - most remarkably of all, his unforced contrapuntal mastery… impeccable performances in very fine, natural sound by musicians who clearly believe in the music. One can but hope that more is to come soon.”
Hubert Culot – MusicWeb-International.com – 17 June 2021
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