Iveta Apkalna's "Light & Dark" is a captivating journey through the world of organ music, released on Berlin Classics on September 7, 2018. This impressive collection showcases Apkalna's virtuosity and versatility, featuring a mix of well-known and lesser-known pieces that highlight her exceptional skill and musicality.
The album opens with Shostakovich's dramatic "Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District, Op. 29: Passacaglia," a powerful and intense piece that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Apkalna's masterful interpretation is followed by a serene and contemplative "Prayer," showcasing her ability to convey a wide range of emotions through her playing.
The three "Évocations" by Marcel Dupré are a highlight of the album, with Apkalna's precise and expressive playing bringing out the full depth and beauty of these complex and evocative pieces. The album also includes two world premiere recordings of works by Latvian composer Pēteris Vasks, "Light and Dark," which are both beautiful and hauntingly melancholic.
Apkalna's technical prowess is on full display in the two etudes for organ by Jean Guillou, "Harmonies" and "Coulée," which are both challenging and virtuosic pieces that showcase her incredible skill and control. The album concludes with a beautiful and meditative "Meditation" by Charles-Marie Widor, leaving the listener with a sense of peace and tranquility.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 6 minutes, "Light & Dark" is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the organ and its rich, complex sound. Iveta Apkalna's playing is nothing short of breathtaking, and this album is a testament to her incredible talent and artistry.
This 2LP set was released in 2018.
