Vladimír Godár's 'Mater' is an unforgettable hourlong suite of subtle balance and utmost sonic unity comprising seven vocal settings for female voice, mixed choir and a Baroque string orchestra of historic instruments. PThe work and its order were inspired by Czech writer Bohumil Hrabal's short story `A legend played on strings stretched between a cradle and a coffin' and by the "semantics of the Christian church year birthdeathresurrection". Another strong inspiration was Iva Bittová's art. Her voice, mostly warm and tender but always widely expressive, can be heard in music of stunning beauty: a traditional Yiddish folk song, a dramatic setting of the Magnificat, a collection of Slovak lullabies and a cheerful Regina Coeli. Together they transcend the purely Christian context into a musical allegory of human life and death. James Joyce's "Ecce puer", written on the double occasion of the birth of the writer's son and the death of his father, marks the pensive centre of Mater. PCzech singer Iva Bittová is one the most remarkable vocalists today, equally known in avantgarde music circles, in the folk scene and as a violinist. Vladimír Godár born in Bratislava in 1956 has written several works for her and is also an awardwinning film composer. Milos Valent, familiar to ECM listeners for his work with Stephen Stubbs on 'Teatro Lirico', solos and leads his ensemble Solamente Naturali. PPersonnel: Iva Bittová voice, Milos Valent violin, viola, Bratislava Conservatory Choir Dusan Bill, choirmaster, Solamente Naturali, Marek Stryncl conductor.