Totari (Mixed Voices): Mixed Voices (SSAATTBB)

Jekabsone writes with genuine respect for the folkloric material while refusing to treat it as merely decorative. The rhythmic energy of the piece is infectious without ever overwhelming the melodic clarity, and the contrasting middle section gives singers a chance to breathe into something genuinely lyrical. It's a carol that feels earned rather than assembled.

Totari pulses with the particular energy of winter solstice celebration, grounded in Latvian vocal tradition. The rhythmic momentum feels folk-authentic rather than composed-onto-folk, and the melodic writing sings naturally across all voices. When the middle section arrives, the piece shifts into something more introspective and lyrical, creating welcome contrast before the drive back to the refrain.

Mixed choirs with secure readers across all eight parts who are ready to handle both rhythmic precision and sustained, songful singing. This works well for choirs comfortable with contemporary harmonic writing rooted in folk idiom and looking for repertoire beyond the standard Christmas fare.

• Anchor the refrain sections with crisp, unified rhythmic articulation. The "totari" text itself has percussive qualities; lean into that without sacrificing the folk character.
• Balance the SSAATTBB texture by listening for the inner voices in the middle section. This is where the rhythmically lyrical writing deserves full presence.
• Let the unison or near-unison moments ring clearly. Jekabsone uses these strategically to reset the ear and build anticipation for harmonic sections.
• Work dynamics carefully around the shift to the middle section. The transition should feel like a natural breath, not a sudden drop in energy.

Program this as part of a global or seasonal choral concert, where its specific cultural roots and contemporary compositional voice can stand alongside other world music offerings. It works equally well in a winter concert context or a program exploring Baltic and Northern European choral traditions. The eight-part texture and modest page count make it a strong closer for an ambitious mixed choir set.

• Rhythmic independence within a folk idiom
• Clear diction and articulation in a non-English text
• Balancing rhythmic precision with melodic phrasing across eight parts
• Singing authentic folk style within a contemporary harmonic framework