E Envalds: Passion And Resurrection & Other Choral Works - Polyphony, Stephen Layton

The live performance in 2009 of this major work by the young Latvian composer Ešenvalds thrilled critics and audiences alike. As a liturgical work that looks set to enter the repertoire it is comparable to Arvo Pärt’s ‘Passio’. Stephen Layton’s commitment to new Baltic music is well known—reflected by performances of great integrity and passion. This recording is particularly splendid, featuring not only the matchless Polyphony and Britten Sinfonia but also Carolyn Sampson, heard here to dazzling effect, crowning the performance with her extraordinary singing.