‘Born in 1906’ presents two sharply contrasted tonal works by unduly neglected Latvian composers born in 1906: Volfgangs Darzins and Janis Ivanovs.

Volfgangs Darzins was born in Riga on 25 September 1906. His father was Emils Darzins, one of the best-loved Latvian composers and one of the most significant music critics of his day. Volfgangs was named in honour of Mozart, whose music the young-at-heart Emils loved and the mature-minded Emils considered the source of musical clarity. Janis Ivanovs was born in Babri, a village in Latgale, on 9 October 1906. His father was Andrejs Ivanovs, a telegraph lineman who had learned electrical work while serving in the Tsar’s army. Janis was half Latvian and half Russian.

‘Both works are ideally served by the deeply committed readings and polished ensemble of the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, under the inspirational direction of Andris Poga. The pianist Reinis Zarins not only relishes the Concerto’s generous lyricism, but injects plenty of personality into his playing. This is a rewarding release and earns my enthusiastic thumbs-up.’ – Rob Barnett, Musicweb International