Pēteris Vasks: Oboe Concerto, Vēstījums & Lauda

Immerse yourself in the serene and evocative sounds of Pēteris Vasks with his captivating album, "Oboe Concerto, Vēstījums & Lauda." Released on September 3, 2021, under the Ondine label, this album is a masterful blend of minimalism and opera, showcasing Vasks' unique compositional style. The album features five tracks, with a total duration of one hour and eight minutes, providing a rich and immersive listening experience.

The centerpiece of the album is the Oboe Concerto, a three-movement work that beautifully highlights the expressive range of the oboe. The concerto opens with "Morning Pastorale," a tranquil and introspective piece that sets the tone for the album. The second movement, "Scherzando," brings a playful and lively energy, while the final movement, "Evening Pastorale," returns to a more contemplative mood, closing the concerto with a sense of peace and reflection.

In addition to the Oboe Concerto, the album includes two other significant works: "Vēstījums" and "Lauda." These pieces further demonstrate Vasks' ability to create deeply moving and spiritually resonant music.

The album features the exceptional talents of Albrecht Mayer on oboe, the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, and conductor Andris Poga. Their collaborative efforts bring Vasks' compositions to life with precision and passion, making this album a standout in the world of contemporary classical music. Whether you are a longtime fan of Pēteris Vasks or new to his work, this album offers a profound and enriching listening experience.

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?"