Totari (Upper Voices): Upper Voices (SSSAAA)

Jekabsone writes upper voice music that balances rhythmic propulsion with genuine melodic warmth, giving singers material that feels both contemporary and rooted in tradition. The folk style treatment of the main theme paired with the lyrical middle section creates natural performance contrasts that keep singers engaged without requiring constant textural shifts.

Totari carries the crisp energy of winter solstice celebration, with its rhythmically active main theme suggesting the bracing joy of seasonal tradition. The melodic center never wavers even as rhythms dance around it, and the shift into the lyrical middle section feels like stepping from outdoor festivity into intimate reflection.

Upper voice choirs, particularly those seeking accessible yet culturally grounded seasonal music. The SSSAAA voicing works for advanced high school ensembles, college upper voice sections, and adult women's choirs looking to expand beyond standard repertoire.

• Anchor the "totari" refrain rhythmically as a group before layering the three soprano lines; this folklore refrain is the piece's heartbeat, and ensemble precision here supports freedom in the more lyrical sections.
• Shape the middle section's rhythmic lyricism with breath and phrase rather than metronomic evenness; these moments deserve warmth despite their rhythmic detail.
• Balance the three soprano lines by rehearsing each part separately, then mixing pairs before the full six-part texture; this prevents any line from disappearing in the upper register.

Program this during a holiday or seasonal concert where you want something rooted in authentic cultural tradition rather than familiar carols. It pairs well with other Musica Baltica selections or standalone as a vivid seasonal statement that showcases upper voice ensemble color.

• Singing folk style with rhythmic precision
• Balancing multiple soprano lines in six-part writing
• Managing metric clarity in rhythmically active passages
• Shaping phrase contour in lyrical sections while maintaining rhythmic awareness
• Interpreting cultural context in performance