Latvian composer Eriks Esenvalds Passion & Resurrection for strings, choir and soloists is a powerful meditation on the story of Christ s crucifixion and resurrection. Eschewing the single narrative
perspective that characterizes the great Passion settings of the past, the composer has assembled an interlocking mosaic of texts from the gospels, from Byzantine and Roman liturgies and from the Old Testament. Stephen Layton s commitment to new Baltic music is well-known and he has a deep understanding of the musical language of the area as 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, crowning the performance with her extraordinary singing.