Where the insects cry (Upper Voice Choir): Upper Voices (SSSAAA)

Ratniece's setting captures something rare: a choral soundscape that feels both intellectually sophisticated and genuinely moving. The choice to anchor literary inspiration in extended techniques keeps singers engaged in active problem-solving rather than passive interpretation, and the result is repertoire that grows richer with each rehearsal.

Delicate and contemplative, with moments of subtle intensity. The soundworld evokes the minimalist aesthetics of Zen poetry and Japanese aesthetics; extended techniques create texture and atmosphere rather than virtuosity for its own sake.

Intermediate to advanced choirs with access to cello players and singers ready to engage with contemporary extended vocal writing. Directors seeking repertoire that bridges literature, world music sensibilities, and modern choral technique will find a worthwhile challenge here.

• Spend time exploring the extended vocal techniques in isolation before integrating them into the full score. Breath control and precise articulation of these sounds will determine how clearly the immersive soundworld emerges.
• Balance the solo soprano and alto lines against the full choir carefully; these moments of textural shift are deliberate compositional choices and shouldn't be obscured by ensemble weight.
• Coordinate closely with your cellist or cello section. The four-part cello writing is integral to the soundscape, not accompaniment, so rehearse frequently with strings present.

This works beautifully in programs exploring nature, world literature, or contemporary choral writing. Consider pairing it with other pieces that use extended techniques or with repertoire drawing on non-Western aesthetic traditions to create a cohesive concert narrative.

• Extended vocal techniques (such as tremolo, multiphonics, and aleatoric passage singing)
• Ensemble blend with unconventional sonorities
• Reading and performing contemporary notation
• Coordination with instrumental parts as equal partners in the texture
• Sustained focus on atmospheric control rather than traditional voice projection