27 Feb 2012

Peteris Vasks (b 1946)

From Composer of the Week, 7:15 pm on 27 February 2012
Peteris Vasks

Peteris Vasks Photo: Hokit, Public Domain

 

“In my music, I speak Latvian”, says composer Peteris Vasks. “It’s the only way I can say what I have to say”.

Vasks’s music references the politics of his country as well as the natural environment.

His political feelings are a natural result of life under an oppressive regime; the environmentalism a personal passion.

Robyn Jaquiery explores the themes of freedom, beauty, sadness and spiritualism that run through Vasks’s often understated work.

Music Details:

Green Sandpiper (private recording)
VASKS: Landscape with birds - Dita Krenberga (fl) (Conifer 75605-51272)
VASKS: Concerto for Cor Anglais and Orchestra - Normunds Šnē (cor anglais), Rīga Sinfonietta/ Normunds Šnē (Wergo WER 6705)
LUTOSŁAWSKI: Jeux vénitiens - Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra/ Antoni Wit (Naxos 8.554283)
VASKS: Cantabile for Strings - I Fiamminghi /Rudolph Werthen (Telarc CD 80457)
VASKS: The Book: Gramata Cellam, mvt 1 - Sol Gabetta (RCA 88697 63081)
VASKS: The Book: Gramata Cellam, mvt 1 - Sol Gabetta (RCA 88697 63081)
VASKS: String Quartet No.4 – Kronos Quartet (Nonesuch 7559 79695)
VASKS: Zemgale - Latvian Radio Choir/Sigvards Klava (BIS CD-1145)
VASKS: Lauda - I Fiamminghi/Rudolf Werthen (Telarc CD-80457)
VASKS: Voices - Kremerata Baltica/Gidon Kremer (Teldec 3984 22660)
VASKS: Sanctus, from Missa - Latvian Radio Choir, Sinfonietta Riga/Sigvards Kļava (Ondine ODE 1106)
VASKS: Agnus Dei, from Missa - Latvian Radio Choir, Sinfonietta Riga/Sigvards Kļava (Ondine ODE 1106-2)