Ugis Praulins L'homme armé, Ars Antiqua Riga

An old French knight song ' L'homme arme' (armed man) is possibly the most cited melody in Renaissance-era masses. eris Vaickovskis, the artistic director of the early music vocal ensemble Ars Antiqua Riga, together with Ugis Praulins wanted to connect, comment and continue the musical theme, while maintaining reflections in the context of the mass genre.
The five-voice ensemble is joined by the organ, the sackbuts (early trombones) and electronic instruments, thus creating atmospheric paintings of sound. Composer Ugis Praulins has said this about his piece: "It is a challenge to include the traditional means of expression and form of sacred music into the contemporary landscape around us. Between good and evil, between life and death - just as in the floor panels of Freemasons - white and black. Peace and war. Love and hate. That is the choice that is given."
This album speaks simultaneously about the first soldier, the 21st century soldier, as well as the future soldier, but most importantly - at an abstract and philosophical level. It is also a story about the internal, soulful soldier within each of us, who can even sometimes conquer the most armed man.