Latvian jazz vocalist Santa Šillere, in collaboration with pianist Edgars Cīrulis, unveils a live recording of her enchanting song "Ziedonī" (eng. - "In the bloom"). The recording took place at the "Klavins Piano" concert hall, adding a touch of uniqueness to the musical endeavour.
"Ziedonī" blends the poetic essence of Latvian poet Aspazija with the timeless melodies of Johann Sebastian Bach's Prelude in D minor. Originally featured on Šillere debut album "Other Ways," released in late 2023, the song receives a fresh interpretation through emotional improvisation in collaboration with pianist and composer Edgars Cīrulis.
Reflecting on the recording process, Cīrulis shares:
We had the privilege of recording at the Klavins Piano Concert Hall in Kuldiga, an extraordinary experience in itself. The Klavins Piano possesses a unique voice - simultaneously muted and radiant, adding a distinct dimension to the narrative. It's a convergence of Bach, Aspazija, and the Klavins UNA CORDA.
While Šillere's repertoire spans a diverse range of concert programs, the acoustic duet format of "Ziedonī" stands as a standalone event, distinct from larger musical cycles. Šillere emphasizes the significance of revisiting the song in collaboration with Cīrulis, stating:
This is the only piece on the album "Other Ways" that I didn't author myself, making it essential to craft a new rendition with Edgars. Intertwined through jazz and classical music, our paths converge seamlessly in "Ziedonī." The juxtaposition of Baroque music with Aspazija's poignant poetry, against the backdrop of a vibrant concert hall and the arrival of spring, captured a beautiful moment worth celebrating.
Šillere's debut album "Other Ways" earned recognition at the LSM annual awards "Kilograms kultūras 2023," where she was nominated in the "Start" category. Read more about the album here!
