In Evening Light

"In Evening Light" is a captivating album featuring the world-premiere recording of Pēteris Vasks' Second Violin Concerto, performed by the virtuoso Sebastian Bohren with the Munich Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Sergej Bolkhovets. This album is a testament to Vasks' enduring mission to cultivate a spiritual dimension within contemporary music, offering a profound and introspective listening experience.

The concerto, divided into three movements—Andante con passione, Andante cantabile, and Andante con amore—is a masterful exploration of minimalist and operatic elements, seamlessly blended to create a hauntingly beautiful soundscape. Each movement is a journey in itself, evoking a sense of tranquility, longing, and deep affection.

Recorded and released by Avie Records on April 26, 2024, this album comes 25 years after Vasks' celebrated first violin concerto. The 33-minute duration is a testament to the composer's ability to convey profound emotions and spiritual depth in a concise yet impactful manner. The album is presented in a 1CD Jewelcase format, accompanied by a 20-page booklet, providing an enriching experience for both new and longtime admirers of Vasks' work.

"In Evening Light" is not just a musical piece but a spiritual journey that continues Pēteris Vasks' legacy of nurturing a sense of spiritual reality in the contemporary world. This album is a must-listen for those who appreciate the intersection of minimalism and opera, and the profound emotional and spiritual depth that Pēteris Vasks brings to his compositions.

Pēteris Vasks, born in 1946, is one of Latvia's most renowned and internationally acclaimed composers, celebrated for his significant contributions to academic music in the late 20th and 21st centuries. His works, which span genres such as minimalism and opera, have earned him multiple Great Music Awards and a place among the most respected composers in Europe. Vasks' music is deeply philosophical, often exploring the spiritual and existential dimensions of sound. He views music as the most divine of arts, believing that it can effortlessly connect to the divine and express the spirit. His compositions, including the renowned 1st Symphony "Voices," have garnered international recognition since the early 1990s. Vasks' personal life is as rich as his musical legacy, sharing his home with his wife, director Dzintra Geka, in a house inherited from his great-aunt. His deep connection to music is evident in his words, "I could say that I am a happy person. Because the foundation of my life is music. I live in music, and what could be more beautiful than that?"