Narbutaite, Onute: 3 Marian Syms (Naxos Audio CD)

Tres Dei Matris Symphoniae (2002-03)
Introitus
Symphonia prima. Angelus Domini
Symphonia secunda. Bethleem
Symphonia tertia. Mater Dolorosa
Oratio

Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra
Kaunas State Choir, Aidija Chamber Choir
Robertas Šervenikas
Three Marian Symphonies

The eloquent, expressive music of Lithuanian neo-romantic composer Onute Narbutaite is noted for its sense of aristocratic poise and strong compositional discipline. Her Tres Dei Matris Symphoniae (Three Symphonies of the Mother of God) is not a conventional oratorio but a symphony, or three symphonies with choir which embrace the Revelation, the Birth of Jesus and the Crucifixion in settings of the Ave Maria, Gloria, Stabat Mater and Hildegard von Bingen’s O clarissima Mater. The effect is of hearing something both deeply familiar and eternally new, rich material for personal contemplation.