As the title suggests, the new Philharmonix VOL 4 album “Baltic” is dedicated to the music of the Baltic States in a very special way. Sebastian Gürtler, composer of the entire Philharmonix literature together with Stephan Koncz, was inspired by melodies, folk orphans and children's songs from Latvia and created this cycle of works in his very own intimate, often melancholy and dance-like, but occasionally also hymn-like and singing musical language.
The “Polka from Latgale” with its catchy tune potential serves as an introduction to a new kind of Philharmonix sound spectrum. This is followed by “Midsummer Night's Hymn”, an ode to joie de vivre, enlivened by dancing rhythms and a catchy refrain, before the “Sunset Prayer” brings more pensive and sorrowful tones. As the works progress, the most diverse moods alternate in flowing succession. An intimate musical journey through Lauma's emotional world before her wedding, through a gloomy requiem of a partridge to a feel-good pop song and the clear starry sky of the dark night. In the end, we find ourselves sometimes fragile, sometimes composed under the booming sounds of bagpipes in the midst of the funeral procession in honor of the Baltic sailor.
We Philharmonix consists of 7 musicians. Two of them, Sebastian Gürtler (violin) and Stephan Koncz (cello) are our composers and arrangers without whom the ensemble could not exist. With his “Baltic” cycle, Sebastian Gürtler has not only created a tribute to Latvian folk music, but has also helped shape a large part of the Philharmonix identity through his music. Inspired by melodies, folk tunes and children's songs from the Baltic region, he created his own musical language that felt like it was written for us seven musicians from the very first bar. A Philharmonix concert would be unthinkable without “noriet saule vakara”! Thank you Basti!
