Vasks: Viola Concerto, String Symphony "Voices" / Rysanov, Sinfonietta Riga
Details
- Composer
- VASKS, PETERIS
- Artist
- Rysanov
- Format
- SACD
- Label
- BIS
- Released
- Apr 03, 2020
- Catalog #
- BIS-2443
- UPC
- 7318599924434
About
Originally a double bass player, Peteris Vasks has a special fondness for the string family, and has composed numerous works for string ensembles of various sizes. Some of his most widely performed works are for string orchestra, among them Musica dolorosa and the violin concertos Distant Light and Lonely Angel. Another one is his Symphony for Strings ‘Voices’, composed in 1991, as his native Latvia, along with Estonia and Lithuania, was breaking free from the crumbling Soviet Union. In a note on the work, Vasks has written: ‘… the new beginning was difficult. The symphony speaks of my essential, most meaningful themes. About life. About eternity. About conscience.’ On this recording, ‘Voices’ is performed by Vasks’ compatriots in the eminent Sinfonietta Riga, making their first appearance on BIS. The Sinfonietta has an ongoing collaboration with Maxim Rysanov, as soloist as well as conductor, and Rysanov here has occasion to show both sides of his musicianship, as he conducts the ensemble as well as performs the solo part in Vasks’ recent Concerto for Viola. The concerto is dedicated to Rysanov, who premièred it in 2016 and now presents it on album for the first time. In four movements, the work demonstrate a characteristic feature of Vasks’ style, the strong contrasts between translucent serenity and deep despair that remind us of the ephemeral and complex world we live in.
REVIEW:
Peteris Vasks has a distinctive voice, and his works always deliver emotionally. The two compositions on this release are no exception — though they are exceptional.
In the concerto, Vasks plays to his strengths. The music slowly swirls in gossamer strands, coalescing from time to time for greater emotional impact. Vasks also weaves in folk-like melodies that temporarily ground the music. Maxim Rysanov’s playing gets to the emotional center of Vasks’ music. At times it’s almost heartbreakingly beautiful.
– WTJU-FM (VA; Ralph Graves)
Tracklist 7 tracks
-
1 I. Andante 08:02
- Track
- 1
- Title
- I. Andante
- Duration
- 08:02
- Composer
- Pēteris Vasks
- Performer
- Maxim Rysanov
- Ensemble
- Sinfonietta Rīga
- Conductor
- Maxim Rysanov
-
2 II. Allegro moderato 07:13
- Track
- 2
- Title
- II. Allegro moderato
- Duration
- 07:13
- Composer
- Pēteris Vasks
- Performer
- Maxim Rysanov
- Ensemble
- Sinfonietta Rīga
- Conductor
- Maxim Rysanov
-
3 III. Andante 10:46
- Track
- 3
- Title
- III. Andante
- Duration
- 10:46
- Composer
- Pēteris Vasks
- Performer
- Maxim Rysanov
- Ensemble
- Sinfonietta Rīga
- Conductor
- Maxim Rysanov
-
4 IV. Adagio 09:33
- Track
- 4
- Title
- IV. Adagio
- Duration
- 09:33
- Composer
- Pēteris Vasks
- Performer
- Maxim Rysanov
- Ensemble
- Sinfonietta Rīga
- Conductor
- Maxim Rysanov
-
5 I. Klusuma balsis (Voices of Silence) 06:08
- Track
- 5
- Title
- I. Klusuma balsis (Voices of Silence)
- Duration
- 06:08
- Composer
- Pēteris Vasks
- Ensemble
- Sinfonietta Rīga
- Conductor
- Maxim Rysanov
-
6 II. Dzīvības balsis (Voices of Life) 14:40
- Track
- 6
- Title
- II. Dzīvības balsis (Voices of Life)
- Duration
- 14:40
- Composer
- Pēteris Vasks
- Ensemble
- Sinfonietta Rīga
- Conductor
- Maxim Rysanov
-
7 III. Sirdsapziņas balss (Voice of Conscience) 08:21
- Track
- 7
- Title
- III. Sirdsapziņas balss (Voice of Conscience)
- Duration
- 08:21
- Composer
- Pēteris Vasks
- Ensemble
- Sinfonietta Rīga
- Conductor
- Maxim Rysanov