Pizzicato review for Artyomov’s “In Spe”

Divine Arts concludes its series dedicated to the Russian composer Vyacheslav Artyomov with two recent studio recordings of his symphony In Spe and his Latin Hymns. In Spe, a symphony for violin, cello and orchestra, is a rather extroverted, dramatic and for the composer extremely good-humoured work. Very rhythmic, very rich in contrast and brightly coloured, it is, as the booklet says, to be regarded as consolation in a world full of suffering. The four-part cycle Latin Hymns for soprano, choir and strings has a clearly religious connection. The composer uses the solo voice in a very original way, setting it against the commenting choir. With colouristic accents, a fascinating play of shadows and light and sometimes ethereal sounds, it is a work of great emotional spirituality, as well performed as In Spe.