It is particularly in his choral music that Peteris Vasks reveals his strong attachment to his Latvian home country. Nature, customs and traditions and the idea of freedom are the central themes of the texts he sets to music, while carefully using modern techniques of choral singing as well. Alternating with traditional, even archaic singing, the music creates a multi-faceted, immediately effective sound image in the listener's mind.The poem 'Ziles zina' by the contemporary Latvian poet Uldis Berzins (*1944) centres on the themes of man, nature and transience in aphoristic brevity.Vasks wrote a piece of music on this poem which contains downright rewarding tasks for the choir and opens up to the listener a fascinating world of sound. / Choeur De Femmes (SSAA) A Cappella

In a new SSAA voicing this is an outstanding arrangement of the song originally penned by Walter Robinson and a timely honor as the anti-slavery activist's image will be on the new twenty dollar bill. A cappella vocals build with a come on up followed by rhythmic vocals under the hypnotic melody. Optional cabaca part helps to imitate a train along with vocal nuances resembling the sound of chains and a train whistle. Powerful and moving!

Based on Psalm 34:13-15 Who is the man that desires life and loves days that he may see good therein? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.