On this day,
April 16, 1946
Latvian composer
Pēteris Vasks
was born
Vasks was born in Aizpute, Latvia, into the family of a Baptist pastor. He trained as a violinist at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music, as a double-bass player with Vitautas Sereikaan at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, and played in several Latvian orchestras before entering the State Conservatory in Vilnius in the neighboring Lithuania to study composition with Valentin Utkin, as he was prevented from doing this in Latvia due to Soviet repressive policy toward Baptists. He started to become known outside Latvia in the 1990s, when Gidon Kremer started championing his works and now is one of the most influential and praised European contemporary composers.
Vasks’ early style owed much to the aleatoric experiments of Witold Lutosławski, Krzysztof Penderecki and George Crumb. Later works included elements of Latvian folk music, such as his gentle and pastoral cor anglais concerto (1989). His works are generally extremely clear and communicative, with a solid and muscular sense of harmony. Lyrical passages may be followed by agitated dissonances, or interrupted by sombre sections with a march-like feel. He made extensive use of minimalist techniques as well, but never became attached to any particular method.
Vasks feels strongly about environmental issues, and a sense of nature both pristine and destroyed can be found in many of his works, such as the String Quartet No. 2 (1984). Other important works include Cantabile (1979) and Musica dolorosa (1984) and “Bass Trip” (2003) for solo double bass. He has written six string quartets, the fourth (1999) and fifth (2004) of which were written for the Kronos Quartet.
source Wikipedia
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We listen to
Musica dolorosa (for string orchestra)
Stuttgarter Kammerorchester
conducted by
Dennis Russell Davies
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Clouds from mt Penteli, Athens
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Enjoy!
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Stay Safe!
Categories: Birthdays, MUSIC, Photography
Marina Kanavaki 
You brilliantly chose to match your cloud pictures with this music… Yes, lots of pain can be felt but I must turn it off now!
I understand. I usually see this kind of music meditative. So glad you enjoyed the clouds too! Happy Monday, Dale! Mouah! 🧡🤗🧡
There was something that grated. Doesn’t mean another piece wouldn’t be fabulous 😉
And yes. The clouds were lovely!
Happy Monday Marina! 🧡💞🧡
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I agree with Tim, hearing the pain and intensity in this moving piece, Marina. And your clouds are just as emotional and dramatic, a perfect pairing indeed. ❤️❤️
Thank you so much, Lauren. I am also moved by this piece.
Happy Sunday, my dear friend!
🌟🤗🌻🤗☀️
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What a wonderful composer he was. His music pairs so well with your lovely cloud image, Marina. 😍🤗
Ah, thank you, Sylvia. Yes, he is and it’s encouraging that such composers are still out there! 🤗😘🤗
Yes, I could feel such deep emotion, so moving! Your photograph is amazing and narrative as well. Thank you dear Marina ❤
I’d have never heard of this composer before, Marina. There is such a longing in his music that speaks to the soul. I am especially interested in how he integrated folk music into his compositions.
I agree with you, Rebecca. Many composers intergrate folk into their compositions. From Liszt and Chopin to Bartok, Smetana, Dvořák and many others. Each one has a very unique way. I agree, it’s very interesting to hear how they do it. Happy Sunday, my dear friend. 🤗
I could feel the pain in that piece. It’s a great piece of music. The clouds are a perfect companion.
I agree, Tim. The clouds add to the music.
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Thank you, my friend. I agree, and also meditative. Happy Saturday! 🙏😊