This CD offers an overview of four of Vask's most iconic works, from the large scale, dramatic Violin Concerto 'Distant light' and the magically dreamy meditation 'Lonely Angel', to his evocation of Latvian landscape and birdsong 'Plainscapes' and the extatic 'Dona Nobis Pacem', performed by virtuoso violinist, Daniel Rowland.
"The first piece by Peteris Vasks that I heard, about a decade ago, was his magnificent Violin Concerto 'Distant light', already a modern classic, and I was blown away by the deep emotional impact of this extraordinary music, that seemed to me both wonderfully mysterious, connected to ancient times, touched by a sublime spirituality and at the same time viscerally exciting and with moments of stunning virtuosity. Last summer, when Peteris accepted my invitation to come to the 15th edition of my Stiftfestival in Holland as Composer in Residence I was truly excited at the chance to work closely with him on several of his pieces. At the festival we performed many of Peteris' works, solo, chamber and orchestral, with wonderful artists. The week culminated with the concert that you now hold in your hands, in the splendid, deeply atmospheric and acoustically wonderful 15th century Plechelmus Basiliek in Oldenzaal." - Daniel Rowland
"Most people today no longer possess beliefs, love and ideals. The spiritual dimension has been lost. My intention is to provide food for the soul and this is what I preach in my works." - Peteris Vasks
Dutch/English violinist Daniel Rowland's playing has been acclaimed as "wonderful, ravishing in its finesse" by The Guardian, "totally and truly charismatic" by Beeld, while The Herald praised his "astonishing sound and uniquely single-minded intensity".
Daniel Rowland has established himself on the international scene as a highly versatile, charismatic and adventurous performer. Concerto performances in recent seasons have included Philip Glass with Orchestre de Picardie, Bernstein with the Princeton and Columbus Symphony Orchestras, Schnittke in Finland, Vivaldi/Piazzolla Seasons with the Ulster Orchestra and the world premiere of the Rogowsky Violin Concerto with the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra. Daniel will soon appear with the Guanajuato Symphony Orchestra in Mexico to give the very first performance of the Michel van der Aa Violin Concerto in that region. He also looks forward to returning to the USA to work with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra again in 2020.
"The performances here seem very fine, and the involvement of Vasks himself ensures their authenticity...The recording is warm and glowing" - Recommended, MusicWeb International
