Both Bach and Vasks, despite their different eras, share a common artistic vision characterized by purity of line, apparent simplicity, and celestial harmonies in their music.
Album & Artwork
This album brings together music by J.S. Bach and Pēteris Vasks, two composers separated by almost three centuries, to create an 'echo' between their works.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Pēteris Vasks's music, particularly Tālā gaisma, is deeply spiritual and mystical, as he believes music serves as "food for the soul."
Composer Biography
Bach's time at the court of Köthen, from 1717, was one of his happiest and most productive periods, allowing his genius as a violinist, violist, harpsichordist, and organist to flourish.
Composer Biography
Pēteris Vasks, a Latvian composer born in 1946, suffered greatly from the Soviet and Nazi occupations of his country, and his music reflects the torment of his people and family.
Composition History
Pēteris Vasks's Violin Concerto Tālā gaisma ('Distant Light') was commissioned by and dedicated to the Latvian violinist and conductor Gidon Kremer, who premiered it in 1997.
Composition History
Bach's violin concertos, BWV 1041 and 1042, were later transcribed for harpsichord (BWV 1058 and 1054 respectively) to accommodate the keyboard instrument's range.
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