May 11, 2010
A recording of Latvian composer Pēteris Vasks’ “Gadalaiki” (The Seasons) has been released on compact disc by the German company Wergo.
Interpreted by young pianist Vestards Šimkus, the composition includes four parts: “Baltā ainava” (White Scenery), “Pavasara muzika” (Spring Music), “Zaļā ainava” (Green Scenery) and “Rudens mūzika” (Autumn Music). Also on the disc is Vasks’ “Vasaras vakara mūzika” (Music for a Summer Evening).
Vasks began work on “Gadalaiki” in the 1970s. The world premiere of the cycle, presented in concert last year, earned the Great Latvian Music Award in March.
The composer expressed pleasure in Šimkus as the interpreter of his work.
“When I first heard Vestards Šimkus playing I instantly understood—he is just the right interpreter,” Vasks said in a press release from Wergo. “It was a close and deep understanding from the first till the last sound. The notes turned into colors, scents, started to breathe, and “The Seasons” came into being.”
For more information on the recording, visit Wergo’s website, www.wergo.de.
Andris Straumanis is editor of Latvians Online.
