Vasks: Viola Concerto & String Symphony 'Voices'

This searing release confirms Vasks’s international stature and, specifically, his affinity for string writing…Rysanov with the exceptional Sinfonietta Rīga wrings every drop of melancholic yearning... — BBC Music Magazine, July 2020, 5 out of 5 stars More…

Release Date: 1st May 2020
Catalogue No: BIS2443
Label: BIS
Length: 65 minutes

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Special offer ends: 09/08/2021

This release includes a digital booklet

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Vasks: Viola Concerto

Work length35:55

$9.00

$10.80

$15.75

Maxim Rysanov (viola)
Sinfonietta Riga

I. Andante

Track length8:07

$2.00

$2.40

$3.50

II. Allegro moderato

Track length7:14

$2.00

$2.40

$3.50

III. Andante

Track length10:46

$3.00

$3.60

$5.25

IV. Adagio

Track length9:48

$2.00

$2.40

$3.50

Vasks: Symphony for String Orchestra "Voices"

Work length29:47

$6.00

$7.20

$10.50

Sinfonietta Riga
Maxim Rysanov

I. Voices of Silence

Track length6:14

$1.00

$1.20

$1.75

II. Voices of Life

Track length14:41

$3.00

$3.60

$5.25

III. Voice of Conscience

Track length8:52

$2.00

$2.40

$3.50

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Originally a double bass player, Pēteris 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.’ n this recording, ‘Voices’ is performed by Vasks’ compatriots in the eminent Sinfonietta Rīga, 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 disc 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.

Reviews

July 2020

This searing release confirms Vasks’s international stature and, specifically, his affinity for string writing…Rysanov with the exceptional Sinfonietta Rīga wrings every drop of melancholic yearning from lines of increasing, melody-driven passion…The Symphony is more angular and less polished in style, with a rawer force. There’s deep fury here, as well as consolation and an inner strength conveying hope. Exquisitely done and essential listening for our times.

July 2020

Sinfonietta Riga sound with that Baltic mixture of softness and fervour under Rysanov’s direction and he brings rare feeling to the concerto.

August 2020

Poignant, heartfelt, unforgettable.

August 2020

Maxim Rysanov ... demonstrates authority as well as sympathy over every aspect of this premier recording. His tone radiates warmth and serenity

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