In his debut album, Jānis Porietis features world-premiere recordings of works for turmpet and organ by Latvian composers Maija Einfelde, Rihards Dubra, Alvils Altmanis, Ilze Arne, Romualds Jermaks, Dzintra Kurme-Gedroica, Georgs Pelēcis and Renate Stivrina recorded at the Riga Cathedral’s famous E.F. Walker & Co. organ during the year of 2020.

Porietis is the principal trumpet with the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra as well as an associate professor at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music and the head of its brass instrument class; he also performs as a soloist and chamber musician. In addition, he is a professional photographer – it seems he has photographed almost every musician in Latvia at least once.

Organist Ilze Reine gives regular solo concerts, collaborates with soloists and professional Latvian music ensembles such as the Latvian Radio Choir, the State Choir Latvija and the basso continuo group of the Sinfonietta Riga chamber orchestra. Together with her husband, Aigars Reinis, she has recorded music for two organists; the album was released in 2015 by SKANi.

“The trumpet and organ are a wonderful tandem that reveals a broad palette of musical colour, because the trumpet is one of the few instruments, if not the only one, that can compete with the might of the organ and not remain in its shadow. These two instruments can convey deep sorrow as well as fantastic joy and elation. The music on this album is like a bright light without a distinct source that fulfils and provides strength to continue. May everyone who listens to this music surrender to the fulfilment of this light.” – Jānis Porietis

Tracklisting:
1. Zvaigznu Kalns (Hill of Stars) (2020)
2. Kyrie (2016)
3. Gloria (1987)
4. Sanctus (2015)
5. Benedictus (2015)
6. Agnus Dei (2016)
7. Juras Panemtajiem (To Those Taken by the Sea) (2019)
8. Lux Aeterna (2018)
9. Quo Vadis (2019)
10. Larghetto from the Concerto for Trumpet (1982)
11. Gaviles (Rejoicing) (2018)