Esenvalds' colorful, dramatic and multi-voiced works on the album reveal skillfully set narrative texts ranging from folk material to litrugical. An important new recording of works by a rising star in choral composition and a top-notch chorus and I am pleased to recommend it enthusiastically." - Morten Lauridsen Latvian Eriks Ešenvalds has rapidly beomce one of the world's most performed choral composers. His ability to bring a dramatic text to life through textures that are lush yet permeated with a more stringent and angular aesthetic has ensured a steady stream of commissions from leading orchestras and choral forces. The four works on the album reflect an interest in the beauty of nature, religious faith and legend. The First Tears is based on the Inuit Legend of the Raven and the Whale, a story of how grief came into the world. Passion and Resurrection is a profound and powerful exploration of Christ's death and resurrection constructed from a variety of liturgical sources.