Peteris Vasks from Latvia, who is known for his atmospheric pieces for string orchestra Cantabile, Musica dolorosa and Voices, is concentrating increasingly on chamber music. He was commissioned to compose a ten-minute solo for double bass for the 2003 ARD music competition in Munich. As Vasks himself studied the double bass, it is an effective virtuoso piece well suited to the instrument which awaits the performer, and there is what is probably a very unusual surprise at the end: the player sings (or whistles) a simple waltz melody as a serenade to accompany himself.

For Mixed Choir and String Orchestra or Organ.

For mixed choir (SATB) and string orchestra or organ. Organ part.

Liténe is the name of a village in Latvia, which has acquired a significance similar to that of 'Katyn' in Poland. It was in this village that in June 1941 the officer élite of the Latvian army was ambushed, disarmed and deported by the occupying Soviet forces. This despite the fact that the officers as members of the territorial army were at the time under the jurisdiction of the Red Army. The words of the ballad do not express emotions like sorrow, rage or mourning, but shows how base treason renders people heartless. Vask's music emphasises the irreconcilable difference between negative emotions and a tender, lyrical atmosphere.

For woodwind quintet.

The beauty of the Latvian landscape inspired many of my works, for it has given me moments of exceptional happiness. The plains are a dominant feature of the Latvian countryside, a place where one can see the horizon and look at the stars in the sky. Plainscapes is made up of three Vocalises separated by little interludes. The dynamic of this diatonic, meditative composition is piano almost throughout. At the end of the third Vocalise the mood changes, however. A growing crescendo leads to the climax - to the vision of Nature awakening. (Peteris Vasks). For Mixed Choir (SSAATTBB), Violin and Violoncello. This item includes just the violin and cello score.

A Little Night Music (13'), White Scenery (7'), Autumn Music (13')

In the first part of the work Vasks uses themes from a well-known Christmas carol, while the second part is strongly influenced by Latvian folksongs and dances. The third section, with a chromaticiscm strongly reminiscent of Shostakovitch, investigates and questions the feasibility of any peace in our society. The final, calm and slightly melancholy section symbolizes 'Peace on Earth' by means of sonorous sustained choirs.

The Latvian composer Peteris Vasks, who is known for his atmospheric pieces for string orchestra, “Cantabile”, “Musica dolorosa” and “Voices”, is

concentrating increasingly on chamber music: his latest works are the “Partita” for cello and piano, the “Fifth String Quartet” (in progress) and a piano quartet.

Vasks has brought elements of ancient and folk traditions in Latvian music into his compositions. While most of his works have programmatic titles relating to natural processes, Vasks is not concerned with a poetic homage to Nature, nor with depiction of landscape as an aesthetic ideal. The main themes which Vasks explores in his most recent musical work are the reciprocal relationship between man and Nature, the beauty of life and the impending ecological and moral destruction of these values.

Publisher: Schott
Series: Schott
Medium: BOOK
Pages: 92
Format: Score and Parts
Composer(s): Peteris Vasks

Viatore tells the story of a wanderer who arrives in this world, grows up in it, develops, falls in love, fills himself up and then departs. The journey is illuminated by the endless and starry universe.

This composition is in one movement but is made up of two sound images. The theme of the traveller is subject to growth and development. The theme of eternity, however, does not change and is played in pianissimo.

Viatore is dedicated to Arvo Pärt.

Publisher: Schott
Series: Schott
Pages: 24
Composer(s): Peteris Vasks