Andrejs Selickis (b. 1960) is a singular, idiosyncratic phenomenon among Latvian composers – a musical pilgrim searching for the path to God’s garden without aspiring to renown or creative self- affirmation. As with Arvo Pärt, Selickis’ work is inseparably linked to his faith, which has found a deep and unique expression in his distinct style. His world of sound seems to incorporate codes of holy texts, a higher model of the Universal order and a divine symmetry. Iconic symbolism, sacred archetypes and the ecstatic experience of God’s presence are the keys to his music, and they seem to reflect Selickis’ own visual image – fine-boned but with a strong, penetrating gaze. “Each page of his compositions – the beginning and end – is gratitude to God. You will not find anything plaintive or sorrowful in this music,” conductor Sigvards Kļava has said regarding Selickis’ work.
LATVIAN RADIO CHOIR
SINFONIETTA RIGA
SIGVARDS KĻAVA, conductor