As both works deal with themes of war and suffering - although mainly through allusion - you might expect the overall tone to be a bit bleak. And though it does carry that through in places, it certainly is not the sole theme. Much of the music from the prominent Baltic composers marry this balance between dark reflections on their political and war-torn histories with an almost unshakable grounding in their religious faith and unifying national heritage. And so it seems here. There is a quiet resolve to this music, as a lone lantern bravely flickering in the window on a cold night.
Overall, the pieces on Little Imber should find an appreciative audience with those interested in any of composers mentioned in this review. This set offers a touch more immediacy than some of Kancheli's previous work, but continues the style he has established in recent years.
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