Album insights
Each composer has their unique way of accessing emotions in music, akin to individuals having their distinctive connection to God. Rihards Dubra emerged as a distinctive voice from Latvia's predominantly secular choral music tradition, solely dedicating himself to composing sacred music. The purity of his pursuit is what Dubra admires in the works of other "holy minimalists," like Arvo Pärt and John Tavener. Describing his own music as a "meditative style," Dubra's compositions are infused with a blend of medieval essence viewed through a contemporary lens. Influenced by his faith, Dubra's music stems from a profound spiritual desire to create authentic and deeply emotional musical pieces. His firm belief in faith fuels Dubra with such energy and inspiration that he questions whether the creativity within him is truly his own, attributing the music he pens to divine inspiration.
Born in Riga on February 28, 1964, Dubra grew up surrounded by a music landscape that was limited by the constraints of the Soviet regime. As a young composer, his exposure to sacred music was scarce due to the restrictions on public performances of religious music. Despite the challenges, Dubra pursued his compositional interests and received guidance from mentors at the Emil Darziņš Music School and the State Latvian Conservatory. His studies under Adolfs Skulte during the final years of Soviet rule led him to push the limits of political acceptability in his compositions. He later graduated in 1989 with a symphony titled "The Emergence of Consciousness" before completing his master's degree at the Latvian Academy of Music in 1996.
Dubra's musical journey includes a shift towards setting liturgical texts in Latin, with a focus on creating a spiritual experience for listeners without depending on theological understanding. His pieces range from early experiments to well-defined styles, blending minimalism with neoromantic melodies and the tonal quality of Gregorian chant, medieval, and Renaissance music. Teaching music theory and composition, serving as a cantor at the Maria Magdalena Church in Riga, and engagement with numerous choirs define Dubra's active role in Latvia's music scene. His compositions have received global recognition, with notable pieces like the Te Deum earning him the Grand Music Award of Latvia.
Dubra's Ave Maria compositions, especially Ave Maria III in A-flat major, showcase his ability to weave intricate choral textures inspired by spiritual encounters witnessed in everyday life. His dedication to spreading messages of hope and faith through music shines in pieces like Oculus non vidit and Stetit Angelus, each marked by unique tonal structures and emotive expressions. Collaborations with international ensembles and a commitment to musical excellence underscore Dubra's significance in the contemporary sacred music landscape.